Narasus's Coffee Company v. Narasu's Roller Flour Mill

“Exclusive rights to trademark ‘Narasu’s’ granted to prior user with specific restrictions on use”.

• The dispute began in 2007 when Narasu's Coffee Company, founded in 1926, filed a suit against Narasu's Roller Flour Mill for trademark infringement.

  
  

• The court ruled that Narasu's Coffee Company had exclusive rights to use the trademark "Narasu's" for coffee and coffee products, while Narasu's Roller Flour Mill could use the mark for wheat products.

Prior Use:

Narasu's Coffee Company was the prior user of the trademark "Narasu's" since 1926.

Retirement Deed:

The court considered a retirement deed executed by the outgoing partners of Narasu's Coffee Company, which stated that they had no claim to the firm's assets, including the trademark.

Joint Ownership:

The court held that both parties had joint ownership of the trademark, but with specific restrictions on its use.

Court's Decision

• The Madras High Court ruled in favor of Narasu's Coffee Company, granting an interim injunction restraining Narasu's Roller Flour Mill from using the trademark "Narasu's" in any manner that could cause confusion among consumers.

  
  

• The court also directed both parties to abide by the interim arrangement until the disposal of the suits.