Post by : Badri Ariffin

A restaurant in Bengaluru has been prohibited from using the term “Carnatic” following a ruling by a Delhi court, which determined that it was deceptively similar to the trademark held by Carnatic Cafe, a prominent restaurant chain in Delhi.

The conflict emerged when Lemonpepper Hospitality Pvt Ltd, operating a Bengaluru restaurant, utilized the name “Carnatic” for its dining establishment. The owner of Carnatic Cafe, based in Delhi, initiated a legal action for trademark infringement and passing-off, claiming that the Bengaluru restaurant was improperly capitalizing on the reputation of its brand.

In an order issued on October 29, District Judge Neelam Singh determined that Carnatic Cafe had “successfully established infringement” of its trademark. The court affirmed that the defendants had engaged in passing off and unfair trade practices by using a name that was deceptively similar.

As a result, the judge imposed a permanent injunction, preventing Lemonpepper Hospitality, along with its directors, employees, or agents, from employing the name “Carnatic” or any closely resembling terms for food-related services. The ruling also prohibits the use of the domain name www.carnaticrestaurant.com or any similar web address.

The court further awarded compensatory and punitive damages amounting to Rs 50,000, alongside Rs 10,000 for litigation expenses, to the owner of Carnatic Cafe.

This verdict highlights the increasing importance of trademark safeguard in India's food and hospitality sector, where brand integrity is essential for customer confidence and market presence.

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