Snippet CSIPR

Download as docx, pdf, or txt
Download as docx, pdf, or txt
You are on page 1of 3

What is Trademark Infringement?

Trademark infringement occurs when one party uses a trademark, trade name, or trade dress
that is substantially similar to a registered trademark or trade dress, and this unauthorized use
has the potential to cause confusion among consumers about the source of the goods or
services being offered. Trademark infringement is a violation of the exclusive rights granted
to the owner of a registered trademark.

What constitutes Trademark Infringement?

1. Ownership of a Registered Trademark: The alleged victim of trademark


infringement must first demonstrate that they own a valid and legally registered
trademark. Registration provides exclusive rights to use the mark in connection with
specific goods or services.

2. Use of a Similar Mark: The party accused of infringement must be using a mark that
is similar to the registered trademark in question. This similarity can pertain to the
name, logo, design, or other distinctive features associated with the trademark.

3. Likelihood of Confusion: A key element of trademark infringement is the likelihood


that consumers will be confused or deceived by the similar marks. This confusion can
relate to the origin, source, or affiliation of the products or services in question.
Courts often assess the potential for confusion from the perspective of the average
consumer.

4. Protectable Interests: The registered trademark must be associated with goods or


services within the same class of goods or services as those of the alleged infringer.
Trademarks are registered for specific classes of goods and services, and infringement
is most relevant when there is a potential overlap in these classes.
5. Use in Commerce: Trademark infringement cases typically involve the use of the
similar mark in commerce, such as on goods, in advertising, or in the company's
name. Unauthorized use of the mark in the course of trade is a key factor.

What essentials have been laid down by the court to establish Trademark Infringement?
From the case of Dominos IP Holder LLC v. Dominick Pizza, 2023 1 several essentials have
been laid down by the court about elements that constitute trademark infringement:

1. Use of Unauthorized Mark: To establish trademark infringement, it is essential to


show that an unauthorized person or entity has used a mark without the consent of the
registered trademark owner.

2. Identical or Deceptively Similar: The unauthorized mark must be either identical or


deceptively similar to the registered trademark. Deceptively similar means that the
mark is so similar that it can cause confusion among consumers and mislead them.

3. Class of Goods or Services: To constitute trademark infringement, the unauthorized


use of the mark must be for goods or services falling under the same class as the
registered trademark.

4. No Confusion or Difference in Essential Features: Courts consider both phonetic


similarity and differences in marks to determine whether they have essential features
that can lead to consumer confusion.

In this case, the plaintiff owns the trademark 'Domino's Pizza' along with a distinctive logo.
The defendant used the name 'DOMINICK PIZZA' with a similar logo. The key issue is the
similarity in the names and logos used by the two parties. If these elements are similar
enough that consumers could easily confuse one with the other, it can constitute trademark
infringement.

The court referred to previous judgments and the Trade Marks Act of 1999 in India, which
provides legal provisions for the protection of trademarks. These legal provisions address
both direct and indirect infringement, offering remedies and liabilities for unauthorized use of
marks that are identical or deceptively similar to registered trademarks within the same class
of goods or services.

The key issue in trademark infringement is the degree of similarity between the plaintiff's
trademark and the defendant's use of the name and logo. If the similarity is such that it could
lead to consumer confusion regarding the source of the products or services, it can constitute
trademark infringement. This is a fundamental aspect of trademark law.
1
Dominos IP Holder LLC v. Dominick Pizza, 2023 SCC OnLine Del 6135.
The likelihood of confusion is a critical element in trademark infringement cases. If there's a
substantial risk that consumers will be confused about the origin of the products or services, it
supports a claim of trademark infringement.

The case is a classic example of trademark infringement. The plaintiff's ownership of a


trademark with a distinctive name and logo, and the defendant's use of a similar name and
logo, raised concerns about the likelihood of consumer confusion. The legal framework
provided by the Trade Marks Act of 1999 in India, along with established legal precedents,
reinforced the court's decision that the defendant's actions constituted trademark
infringement. The protection of trademarks is essential to ensure consumers can make
informed choices and to protect the reputation and goodwill associated with a brand.

You might also like