{"id":25127,"date":"2026-06-04T11:47:53","date_gmt":"2026-06-04T11:47:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/?p=25127"},"modified":"2026-06-04T11:51:42","modified_gmt":"2026-06-04T11:51:42","slug":"the-test-of-passing-off-in-relation-to-upsc-coaching-institute","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-test-of-passing-off-in-relation-to-upsc-coaching-institute\/","title":{"rendered":"The Test of Passing off in relation to UPSC Coaching Institute"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 id=\"h-introduction\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Introduction\"><\/span>Introduction<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The judgment delivered by the Division Bench of the Delhi High Court in <strong>M\/s Vajiram and Ravi ISA Study Centre LLP v. M\/s Vajirao and Reddy Institute Pvt. Ltd.<\/strong> is an important decision dealing with trademark passing off, deceptive similarity, delay in seeking injunction, and the principles governing appellate interference in interim injunction matters.<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_84 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\/the-test-of-passing-off-in-relation-to-upsc-coaching-institute\/#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\/the-test-of-passing-off-in-relation-to-upsc-coaching-institute\/#Factual_and_Procedural_Background\" >Factual and Procedural 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\/the-test-of-passing-off-in-relation-to-upsc-coaching-institute\/#Key_Facts_at_a_Glance\" >Key Facts at a Glance<\/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\/the-test-of-passing-off-in-relation-to-upsc-coaching-institute\/#Dispute_Before_the_Court\" >Dispute Before the Court<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-test-of-passing-off-in-relation-to-upsc-coaching-institute\/#Principal_Contentions_of_the_Parties\" >Principal Contentions of the Parties<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-test-of-passing-off-in-relation-to-upsc-coaching-institute\/#Issues_for_Consideration\" >Issues for Consideration<\/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\/the-test-of-passing-off-in-relation-to-upsc-coaching-institute\/#Reasoning_and_Analysis_of_the_Court\" >Reasoning and Analysis of the Court<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-test-of-passing-off-in-relation-to-upsc-coaching-institute\/#Comparison_of_the_Rival_Marks\" >Comparison of the Rival Marks<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-test-of-passing-off-in-relation-to-upsc-coaching-institute\/#Goodwill_and_Reputation_in_the_Standalone_Mark\" >Goodwill and Reputation in the Standalone Mark<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-test-of-passing-off-in-relation-to-upsc-coaching-institute\/#Absence_of_Confusion_Among_Students\" >Absence of Confusion Among Students<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-test-of-passing-off-in-relation-to-upsc-coaching-institute\/#Delay_and_Acquiescence\" >Delay and Acquiescence<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-test-of-passing-off-in-relation-to-upsc-coaching-institute\/#Distinguishing_the_Midas_Hygiene_Principle\" >Distinguishing the Midas Hygiene Principle<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-test-of-passing-off-in-relation-to-upsc-coaching-institute\/#Application_of_the_Toyota_Prius_Principle\" >Application of the Toyota Prius Principle<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-test-of-passing-off-in-relation-to-upsc-coaching-institute\/#Scope_of_Appellate_Interference_in_Interim_Injunctions\" >Scope of Appellate Interference in Interim Injunctions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-test-of-passing-off-in-relation-to-upsc-coaching-institute\/#Conduct_of_the_Appellant_During_Trial\" >Conduct of the Appellant During Trial<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-test-of-passing-off-in-relation-to-upsc-coaching-institute\/#Key_Findings_of_the_Division_Bench\" >Key Findings of the Division Bench<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-test-of-passing-off-in-relation-to-upsc-coaching-institute\/#Final_Decision_of_the_Court\" >Final Decision of the Court<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-test-of-passing-off-in-relation-to-upsc-coaching-institute\/#Point_of_Law_Settled_in_the_Case\" >Point of Law Settled in the Case<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-test-of-passing-off-in-relation-to-upsc-coaching-institute\/#Key_Legal_Principles_Emerging_from_the_Judgment\" >Key Legal Principles Emerging from the Judgment<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-test-of-passing-off-in-relation-to-upsc-coaching-institute\/#Case_Details\" >Case Details<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The dispute arose between two well-known coaching institutes engaged in preparation of candidates for the Civil Services Examination conducted by UPSC. The appellant, operating under the marks \u201cVAJIRAM &amp; RAVI\u201d and \u201cVAJIRAM &amp; RAO\u201d, alleged that the respondent\u2019s use of the mark \u201cVAJIRAO &amp; REDDY\u201d amounted to passing off and was deceptively similar to its trademark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court examined whether the use of the word \u201cVAJIRAO\u201d by the respondent created confusion among students and whether the appellant had established sufficient goodwill and reputation in the standalone mark \u201cVAJIRAM\u201d. The Court also analysed the effect of delay, acquiescence, concurrent use, and the conduct of parties while deciding whether an interim injunction should be granted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-factual-and-procedural-background\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Factual_and_Procedural_Background\"><\/span>Factual and Procedural Background<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The appellant institute was originally established by Professor P. Velayutham under the mark \u201cVAJIRAM &amp; RAO\u201d. Later, in 1976, the management was taken over by Mr. P.S. Ravindram and the institute started functioning under the name \u201cVAJIRAM &amp; RAVI\u201d. The appellant obtained registrations for the marks \u201cVAJIRAM &amp; RAVI\u201d, \u201cVAJIRAM &amp; RAO\u201d, and also the standalone word mark \u201cVAJIRAM\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The respondent institute was also engaged in the business of coaching students for civil services examinations and had been using the mark \u201cVAJIRAO &amp; REDDY\u201d since at least 2007. The respondent also possessed registration of its device mark bearing Trademark No. 1859489 with user claim from 2007.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The dispute arose when the appellant alleged that the respondent\u2019s use of the expression \u201cVAJIRAO\u201d was deceptively similar to \u201cVAJIRAM\u201d and was intended to create confusion among students. According to the appellant, \u201cVAJIRAO\u201d was an abbreviation associated with its earlier mark \u201cVAJIRAM &amp; RAO\u201d, particularly among students during the 1980s and 1990s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The appellant instituted a commercial suit being CS(COMM) 43\/2019 before the Delhi High Court seeking permanent injunction and interim injunction against the respondent for passing off and unfair competition. The learned Single Judge, by order dated 14 September 2023, refused to grant interim injunction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Aggrieved by the refusal, the appellant preferred the present appeal under Order XLIII Rule 1 CPC read with Section 13(1) of the Commercial Courts Act, 2015 and Section 10 of the Delhi High Court Act, 1966.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-key-facts-at-a-glance\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Facts_at_a_Glance\"><\/span>Key Facts at a Glance<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\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>Appellant<\/td><td>M\/s Vajiram and Ravi ISA Study Centre LLP<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Appellant Marks<\/td><td>\u201cVAJIRAM &amp; RAVI\u201d, \u201cVAJIRAM\u201d, \u201cVAJIRAM &amp; RAO\u201d<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Respondent<\/td><td>M\/s Vajirao and Reddy Institute Pvt. Ltd.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Respondent Mark<\/td><td>\u201cVAJIRAO &amp; REDDY\u201d<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Respondent User Claim<\/td><td>Since 2007<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Nature of Business<\/td><td>UPSC\/Civil Services Coaching<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Suit Number<\/td><td>CS(COMM) 43\/2019<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Challenge in Appeal<\/td><td>Refusal of Interim Injunction<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-dispute-before-the-court\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dispute_Before_the_Court\"><\/span>Dispute Before the Court<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The principal controversy before the Court was whether the respondent\u2019s mark \u201cVAJIRAO &amp; REDDY INSTITUTE\u201d and its use of the standalone expression \u201cVAJIRAO\u201d were deceptively similar to the appellant\u2019s marks \u201cVAJIRAM &amp; RAVI\u201d, \u201cVAJIRAM\u201d, and \u201cVAJIRAM &amp; RAO\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The appellant argued that the respondent had dishonestly adopted the mark \u201cVAJIRAO\u201d to exploit the goodwill and reputation associated with \u201cVAJIRAM\u201d. It was contended that both parties operated in the same field of UPSC coaching and targeted the same category of students, thereby increasing the possibility of confusion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The appellant also argued that delay in filing the suit should not defeat injunction because dishonest adoption disentitles the defendant from equitable relief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On the other hand, the respondent contended that both marks were composite marks and had to be examined as a whole. According to the respondent, \u201cVAJIRAM &amp; RAVI\u201d and \u201cVAJIRAO &amp; REDDY INSTITUTE\u201d were visually, structurally, and phonetically distinct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The respondent further argued that UPSC aspirants are educated and discerning consumers who can clearly distinguish between coaching institutes. The respondent also relied upon long and continuous use of its mark since 2007 and argued that the appellant had acquiesced in such use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-principal-contentions-of-the-parties\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Principal_Contentions_of_the_Parties\"><\/span>Principal Contentions of the Parties<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><th>Appellant&#8217;s Contentions<\/th><th>Respondent&#8217;s Contentions<\/th><\/tr><tr><td>\u201cVAJIRAO\u201d is deceptively similar to \u201cVAJIRAM\u201d.<\/td><td>Marks must be compared as composite marks.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Respondent adopted the mark dishonestly.<\/td><td>Marks are visually and phonetically distinct.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Both parties cater to the same UPSC aspirants.<\/td><td>Consumers are educated and discerning.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Likelihood of confusion is high.<\/td><td>No actual confusion has been established.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Delay should not defeat relief where adoption is dishonest.<\/td><td>Long concurrent use and acquiescence bar interim relief.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-issues-for-consideration\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Issues_for_Consideration\"><\/span>Issues for Consideration<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Whether \u201cVAJIRAO &amp; REDDY INSTITUTE\u201d is deceptively similar to \u201cVAJIRAM\u201d, \u201cVAJIRAM &amp; RAVI\u201d, or \u201cVAJIRAM &amp; RAO\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Whether the respondent&#8217;s use of \u201cVAJIRAO\u201d amounts to passing off.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Whether the appellant established goodwill and reputation in the standalone mark \u201cVAJIRAM\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Whether delay, acquiescence, and concurrent use disentitled the appellant from interim relief.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Whether the learned Single Judge&#8217;s refusal to grant interim injunction warranted appellate interference.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-reasoning-and-analysis-of-the-court\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reasoning_and_Analysis_of_the_Court\"><\/span>Reasoning and Analysis of the Court<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Division Bench carefully analysed the law relating to passing off. The Court reiterated that in an action for passing off, the plaintiff must establish:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Goodwill attached to the mark<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Misrepresentation by the defendant<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Likelihood of confusion among consumers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Resulting damage<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-comparison-of-the-rival-marks\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Comparison_of_the_Rival_Marks\"><\/span>Comparison of the Rival Marks<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court agreed with the findings of the Single Judge that the rival composite marks had to be compared as a whole. Upon comparing \u201cVAJIRAM &amp; RAVI\u201d with \u201cVAJIRAO &amp; REDDY INSTITUTE\u201d, the Court found substantial dissimilarities. The additional words \u201cRAVI\u201d and \u201cREDDY\u201d, the logos, and the inclusion of the word \u201cINSTITUTE\u201d created sufficient distinction between the marks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court observed that the appellant itself had not seriously challenged the finding that the composite marks were dissimilar. The real challenge was confined to the respondent\u2019s use of the standalone expression \u201cVAJIRAO\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-goodwill-and-reputation-in-the-standalone-mark\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Goodwill_and_Reputation_in_the_Standalone_Mark\"><\/span>Goodwill and Reputation in the Standalone Mark<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court then examined whether the appellant had established goodwill and reputation in the standalone mark \u201cVAJIRAM\u201d. It found that the appellant generally used \u201cVAJIRAM\u201d together with \u201cVAJIRAM &amp; RAVI\u201d and had not produced convincing evidence showing independent goodwill attached exclusively to the word \u201cVAJIRAM\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court noted absence of material such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sales figures<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Advertising expenditure records<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Promotional data<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Market recognition evidence<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These were necessary to establish distinctiveness of the standalone mark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For this proposition, the Court relied upon the judgment of the Supreme Court of India in <em>Brihan Karan Sugar Syndicate Private Limited v. Yashwantrao Mohite Krushna Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana, 2023 SCC OnLine SC 1163<\/em>, where it was held that sales figures and advertisement expenditure are relevant factors in proving goodwill and reputation in a passing off action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-absence-of-confusion-among-students\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Absence_of_Confusion_Among_Students\"><\/span>Absence of Confusion Among Students<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court further held that the appellant had failed to establish misrepresentation or confusion among students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court placed reliance upon interviews of successful UPSC candidates who had openly acknowledged attending both institutes and treated them as distinct coaching centres. These interviews demonstrated that the target audience was capable of differentiating between the two institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-delay-and-acquiescence\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Delay_and_Acquiescence\"><\/span>Delay and Acquiescence<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another important aspect considered by the Court was delay and acquiescence. The respondent had shown that both parties were advertising simultaneously in the same magazines since at least 2009.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Therefore, the Court found the appellant\u2019s claim that it discovered the respondent only in 2018 to be unconvincing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court discussed the decision in <em>Automatic Electric Limited v. R.K. Dhawan and Another, 1999 SCC OnLine Del 27<\/em>, but distinguished it on facts because that case involved only a solitary advertisement whereas the present matter involved continuous concurrent advertisements over several years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-distinguishing-the-midas-hygiene-principle\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Distinguishing_the_Midas_Hygiene_Principle\"><\/span>Distinguishing the Midas Hygiene Principle<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The appellant relied heavily on <em>Midas Hygiene Industries (P) Ltd. v. Sudhir Bhatia Ltd., (2004) 3 SCC 90<\/em>, where the Supreme Court held that delay alone cannot defeat injunction in cases of dishonest adoption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, the Division Bench held that the said judgment was inapplicable because dishonest adoption had not been prima facie established in the present case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-application-of-the-toyota-prius-principle\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Application_of_the_Toyota_Prius_Principle\"><\/span>Application of the Toyota Prius Principle<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court also relied upon <em>Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha v. Prius Auto Industries Limited and Others, (2018) 2 SCC 1<\/em>, wherein the Supreme Court held that unexplained delay and prolonged silence by a plaintiff can prejudice the defendant who has continuously used the mark during that period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Applying this principle, the Court held that the respondent had built its own goodwill since 2007 and the appellant\u2019s silence for more than a decade tilted the balance of convenience in favour of the respondent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-scope-of-appellate-interference-in-interim-injunctions\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Scope_of_Appellate_Interference_in_Interim_Injunctions\"><\/span>Scope of Appellate Interference in Interim Injunctions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court further examined the principles governing appellate interference in interim injunction matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Reliance was placed upon the celebrated judgment in <em>Wander Ltd. and Another v. Antox India P. Ltd., 1990 Supp SCC 727<\/em>, wherein the Supreme Court held that appellate courts should not interfere with discretionary orders unless the lower court acted:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Arbitrarily<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Perversely<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In disregard of settled legal principles<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court also referred to <em>Pernod Ricard India (P) Ltd. v. Karanveer Singh Chhabra, 2025 SCC OnLine SC 1701<\/em>, where the Supreme Court reaffirmed limited appellate interference in interim injunction matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Further reliance was placed upon <em>Sanjay Gupta and Vinay Gupta v. Vineet Jain, 2026 SCC OnLine Del 1862<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-conduct-of-the-appellant-during-trial\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conduct_of_the_Appellant_During_Trial\"><\/span>Conduct of the Appellant During Trial<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An important observation made by the Court concerned the conduct of the appellant during trial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court noted that although issues had been framed on 31 January 2020 and witness affidavits had been filed, the appellant had failed to commence recording of evidence even by 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court remarked that litigants often appear interested only in interim injunctions rather than final adjudication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court considered this conduct indicative of lack of bona fides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-key-findings-of-the-division-bench\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Findings_of_the_Division_Bench\"><\/span>Key Findings of the Division Bench<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Issue<\/th><th>Court&#8217;s Finding<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Similarity of Marks<\/td><td>Composite marks were substantially dissimilar.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Goodwill in &#8220;VAJIRAM&#8221;<\/td><td>No convincing evidence of independent goodwill in the standalone mark.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Consumer Confusion<\/td><td>No sufficient proof of confusion among UPSC aspirants.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Misrepresentation<\/td><td>Not established by the appellant.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Delay and Acquiescence<\/td><td>Long delay weakened the appellant\u2019s case.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Balance of Convenience<\/td><td>Favoured the respondent due to continuous use since 2007.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Appellate Interference<\/td><td>Limited scope under settled Supreme Court jurisprudence.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Conduct During Trial<\/td><td>Delay in leading evidence reflected lack of bona fides.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-final-decision-of-the-court\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_Decision_of_the_Court\"><\/span>Final Decision of the Court<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Division Bench dismissed the appeal and upheld the order of the Single Judge refusing interim injunction. The Court held that the appellant failed to establish deceptive similarity, goodwill in the standalone mark \u201cVAJIRAM\u201d, likelihood of confusion, dishonest adoption by the respondent, or damage resulting from use of the impugned mark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court directed the appellant to commence recording of evidence in July 2026 and complete evidence within three months. The respondent was also directed to conclude its evidence within three months thereafter. The Court further directed that failure by the appellant to proceed with evidence could result in dismissal of the suit under Order XVII Rules 2 and 3 read with Order IX CPC for non-prosecution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-point-of-law-settled-in-the-case\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The judgment reiterates that in passing off actions involving composite trademarks, marks must be compared as a whole and not dissected into isolated parts. Mere phonetic resemblance of one component may not be sufficient to establish deceptive similarity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The decision further clarifies that a plaintiff claiming goodwill in a standalone portion of a composite mark must produce concrete evidence such as sales figures, promotional expenditure, and market recognition to establish distinctiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court also reaffirmed that delay, acquiescence, and long concurrent use are relevant considerations while deciding interim injunction applications, particularly where dishonest adoption is not prima facie established.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The judgment additionally strengthens the principle that appellate courts should exercise restraint while interfering with discretionary orders concerning interim injunctions in intellectual property matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-key-legal-principles-emerging-from-the-judgment\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Legal_Principles_Emerging_from_the_Judgment\"><\/span>Key Legal Principles Emerging from the Judgment<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Composite trademarks must be assessed as a whole and not by isolating individual components.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mere phonetic similarity of a part of a trademark does not automatically establish deceptive similarity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Goodwill in a standalone portion of a composite mark requires proof through market recognition and commercial evidence.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Delay, acquiescence, and long concurrent use are important considerations in interim injunction matters.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Appellate courts should exercise caution while interfering with discretionary interim injunction orders.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-case-details\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><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><strong>Case Title<\/strong><\/td><td>Vajiram and Ravi ISA Study Centre LLP Vs Vajirao and Reddy Institute Pvt. Ltd.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Date of Order<\/strong><\/td><td>26 May 2026<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Case Number<\/strong><\/td><td>FAO(OS) (COMM) 7\/2024<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Neutral Citation<\/strong><\/td><td>2026:DHC:4757-DB<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Court<\/strong><\/td><td>Delhi High Court<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Hon\u2019ble Judges<\/strong><\/td><td>Justice V. Kameswar Rao and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-related-links yoast-seo-related-links\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/standard-operating-procedure-sop-for-investigation-of-offences-designs-act-2000\/\">Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Investigation of Offences under the Designs Act, 2000<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/re-defining-workman-in-the-aviation-sector-a-case-comment-on-king-airways-v-captain-pritam-singh-delhi-high-court-2025\/\">Re-defining Workman in the Aviation Sector: A Case Comment on King Airways v. Captain Pritam Singh (Delhi High Court, 2025)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-global-shortage-of-training-institutes-on-ieds-and-drones-challenges-consequences-and-the-path-forward\/\">The Global Shortage of Training Institutes on IEDs and Drones: Challenges, Consequences, and the Path Forward<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/trademark-act-1999-section-33-explained-effect-of-acquiescence-in-trademark-law\/\">Trademark Act, 1999 \u2013 Section 33 Explained: Effect of Acquiescence in Trademark Law<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/chile-vs-peru-pisco-dispute-peru-loses-standalone-pisco-gi-claim-in-india\/\">Chile vs Peru Pisco Dispute: Peru Loses Standalone Pisco GI Claim in India<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Introduction The judgment delivered by the Division Bench of the Delhi High Court in M\/s Vajiram and Ravi ISA Study Centre LLP v. M\/s Vajirao and Reddy Institute Pvt. Ltd. is an important decision dealing with trademark passing off, deceptive similarity, delay in seeking injunction, and the principles governing appellate interference in interim injunction matters.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":56,"featured_media":25126,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","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":["post-25127","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-intellectual-property","tag-intellectual-property","tag-top-news"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.6.1 (Yoast SEO v27.7) - 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