{"id":15999,"date":"2026-02-22T11:26:24","date_gmt":"2026-02-22T11:26:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/?p=15999"},"modified":"2026-02-22T11:33:18","modified_gmt":"2026-02-22T11:33:18","slug":"descriptiveness-and-trademark-rights","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/descriptiveness-and-trademark-rights\/","title":{"rendered":"Descriptiveness and Trademark Rights"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"introduction\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Introduction\"><\/span>Introduction<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The beauty and skincare market is crowded, and brand names often borrow from nature. When a new face cleanser named \u201cLotus Splash\u201d entered the market, Lotus Herbals saw it as a direct threat to their long-established \u201cLotus\u201d identity. The single judge allowed the use, calling it descriptive. On appeal, the Division Bench of the Delhi High Court took a closer look and reversed that view. This ruling shows how courts protect famous marks even when rivals claim their name is just describing an ingredient.<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #0c0c0c;color:#0c0c0c\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #0c0c0c;color:#0c0c0c\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/descriptiveness-and-trademark-rights\/#Introduction\" >Introduction<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/descriptiveness-and-trademark-rights\/#Factual_Background\" >Factual Background<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/descriptiveness-and-trademark-rights\/#Core_Dispute\" >Core Dispute<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/descriptiveness-and-trademark-rights\/#Procedural_Background\" >Procedural Background<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/descriptiveness-and-trademark-rights\/#Reasoning_And_Decision_Of_Court\" >Reasoning And Decision Of Court<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/descriptiveness-and-trademark-rights\/#Key_Judicial_Findings\" >Key Judicial Findings<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/descriptiveness-and-trademark-rights\/#Point_Of_Law_Settled_In_The_Case\" >Point Of Law Settled In The Case<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/descriptiveness-and-trademark-rights\/#Case_Details\" >Case Details<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"factual-background\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Factual_Background\"><\/span>Factual Background<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Lotus Herbals has built a strong reputation over many years selling herbal skincare and beauty products under the \u201cLotus\u201d name and its variations. The company holds several registrations for the word \u201cLotus\u201d and logos in classes covering cosmetics. Their products are widely known, heavily advertised, and associated with natural ingredients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>DPKA Universal Consumer Ventures, linked to actress Deepika Padukone, launched a face cleanser under the main brand \u201c82\u00b0E\u201d. The product was prominently named \u201cLotus Splash\u201d and highlighted lotus flower extracts as a key ingredient. Lotus Herbals objected, arguing that the name would confuse customers into thinking the product came from them or was connected to their range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"core-dispute\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Core_Dispute\"><\/span>Core Dispute<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Use of the name \u201cLotus Splash\u201d on a face cleanser.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Alleged similarity with the established \u201cLotus\u201d brand.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Claim of descriptive use versus trademark infringement.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"procedural-background\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Procedural_Background\"><\/span>Procedural Background<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Lotus Herbals filed a commercial suit seeking a permanent ban on the use of \u201cLotus Splash\u201d or any similar name. They also asked for an immediate temporary order to stop sales while the case continued. The single judge heard both sides and refused the temporary order. He held that \u201cLotus Splash\u201d was merely descriptive because the product actually contains lotus extract, so it fell under legal exceptions allowing honest descriptive use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Feeling this was wrong, Lotus Herbals appealed to the Division Bench. Senior lawyers argued at length on both sides. After detailed consideration, the Division Bench delivered its judgment on 16 February 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"reasoning-and-decision-of-court\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reasoning_And_Decision_Of_Court\"><\/span>Reasoning And Decision Of Court<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Division Bench found the single judge\u2019s approach mistaken on key points. They agreed there was clear similarity because \u201cLotus\u201d is the striking and dominant part of both names. An ordinary shopper seeing \u201cLotus Splash\u201d could easily link it to the well-known \u201cLotus\u201d products, especially in the same category of face care items. Initial confusion was likely even if later differences became clear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The court rejected the claim that \u201cLotus Splash\u201d was purely descriptive. While lotus extract is an ingredient, the full name was used prominently on bottles, packaging, websites, and advertisements \u2013 exactly like a brand name. It was not hidden in small print as a mere description. The respondents were treating \u201cLotus Splash\u201d as their product identifier, not just explaining contents. The presence of \u201c82\u00b0E\u201d at the bottom did not remove the risk of mix-up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The judges stressed that descriptive use defences apply only when the words are used honestly to describe the product without trying to create a brand impression. Here, the overall commercial impression pointed to trademark use. The court also noted Lotus Herbals\u2019 long prior use and strong reputation, making passing off likely as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Division Bench set aside the single judge\u2019s order. It granted the temporary injunction, stopping the respondents from making, selling, or promoting any product under \u201cLotus Splash\u201d or any deceptively similar name until the main suit is finally decided. The appeal succeeded in favour of Lotus Herbals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"key-judicial-findings\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Judicial_Findings\"><\/span>Key Judicial Findings<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201cLotus\u201d was the dominant and striking element in both marks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prominent display suggested trademark use, not mere description.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Descriptive defence requires honest and limited explanatory use.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strong prior reputation increases likelihood of passing off.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"point-of-law-settled-in-the-case\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Point_Of_Law_Settled_In_The_Case\"><\/span>Point Of Law Settled In The Case<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This judgment clarifies that Prominent display turns a potentially descriptive phrase into infringing trademark use. Courts will examine the full commercial impression created by how the name is actually used on packaging, marketing, and sales \u2013 not just the dictionary meaning. Descriptive defences protect genuine explanations of contents but do not allow a rival to build a brand around a word that belongs to someone else. Established brands with proven goodwill receive strong interim protection to prevent customer confusion and dilution of their reputation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"case-details\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Case_Details\"><\/span>Case Details<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><th>Particulars<\/th><th>Details<\/th><\/tr><tr><td>Case Title<\/td><td>Lotus Herbals Pvt.Ltd. Vs DPKA Universal Consumer Ventures Pvt.Ltd.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Date Of Order<\/td><td>16 February 2026<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Case Number<\/td><td>FAO(OS) (COMM) 45\/2024<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Neutral Citation<\/td><td>2026 DHC 1300 DB<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Name Of Court<\/td><td>High Court Of Delhi<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Name Of Hon&#8217;ble Judges<\/td><td>Hon&#8217;ble Mr. Justice V. Kameswar Rao and Hon&#8217;ble Mr. Justice Vinod Kumar<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Introduction The beauty and skincare market is crowded, and brand names often borrow from nature. When a new face cleanser named \u201cLotus Splash\u201d entered the market, Lotus Herbals saw it as a direct threat to their long-established \u201cLotus\u201d identity. The single judge allowed the use, calling it descriptive. On appeal, the Division Bench of the<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":56,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"two_page_speed":[],"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"_joinchat":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[5149,28],"class_list":{"0":"post-15999","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-intellectual-property","7":"tag-intellectual-property","8":"tag-top-news"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15999","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/56"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15999"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15999\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15999"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15999"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15999"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}