{"id":27075,"date":"2026-07-03T05:40:22","date_gmt":"2026-07-03T05:40:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/?p=27075"},"modified":"2026-07-03T05:48:00","modified_gmt":"2026-07-03T05:48:00","slug":"can-a-business-claim-exclusive-rights-over-a-geographical-word","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/can-a-business-claim-exclusive-rights-over-a-geographical-word\/","title":{"rendered":"Can a Business Claim Exclusive Rights Over a Geographical Word"},"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 in M. Manuel v. Malabar Gold Private Ltd. examines important principles of trademark protection, particularly the conflict between registered trademark rights, competing registrations, geographical words, and passing off claims. The dispute involved two jewelry businesses using similar expressions containing the word &#8220;Malabar,&#8221; raising significant questions regarding the extent of protection available to a trademark owner and whether a trader can claim exclusive ownership over a commonly used geographical expression.<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 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\/can-a-business-claim-exclusive-rights-over-a-geographical-word\/#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\/can-a-business-claim-exclusive-rights-over-a-geographical-word\/#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\/can-a-business-claim-exclusive-rights-over-a-geographical-word\/#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\/can-a-business-claim-exclusive-rights-over-a-geographical-word\/#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\/can-a-business-claim-exclusive-rights-over-a-geographical-word\/#Appellants_Arguments\" >Appellant\u2019s Arguments<\/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\/can-a-business-claim-exclusive-rights-over-a-geographical-word\/#Respondents_Arguments\" >Respondent\u2019s Arguments<\/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\/can-a-business-claim-exclusive-rights-over-a-geographical-word\/#M_Manuel_Vs_Malabar_Gold_Private_Ltd_%E2%80%94_Case_Analysis\" >M. Manuel Vs. Malabar Gold Private Ltd. \u2014 Case Analysis<\/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\/can-a-business-claim-exclusive-rights-over-a-geographical-word\/#Case_Details\" >Case Details<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/can-a-business-claim-exclusive-rights-over-a-geographical-word\/#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-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/can-a-business-claim-exclusive-rights-over-a-geographical-word\/#Scope_of_Section_28_of_the_Trade_Marks_Act_1999\" >Scope of Section 28 of the Trade Marks Act, 1999<\/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\/can-a-business-claim-exclusive-rights-over-a-geographical-word\/#Class_14_Versus_Class_35_Distinction\" >Class 14 Versus Class 35 Distinction<\/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\/can-a-business-claim-exclusive-rights-over-a-geographical-word\/#Reliance_on_S_Syed_Mohideen_v_P_Sulochana_Bai\" >Reliance on S. Syed Mohideen v. P. Sulochana Bai<\/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\/can-a-business-claim-exclusive-rights-over-a-geographical-word\/#Infringement_Versus_Passing_Off\" >Infringement Versus Passing Off<\/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\/can-a-business-claim-exclusive-rights-over-a-geographical-word\/#Deceptive_Similarity_and_the_Average_Consumer_Test\" >Deceptive Similarity and the Average Consumer Test<\/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\/can-a-business-claim-exclusive-rights-over-a-geographical-word\/#The_Geographical_Word_%E2%80%9CMalabar%E2%80%9D\" >The Geographical Word &#8220;Malabar&#8221;<\/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\/can-a-business-claim-exclusive-rights-over-a-geographical-word\/#Overall_Mark_Similarity_and_Consumer_Confusion\" >Overall Mark Similarity and Consumer Confusion<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/can-a-business-claim-exclusive-rights-over-a-geographical-word\/#Requirements_for_Establishing_Passing_Off\" >Requirements for Establishing Passing Off<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/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\/can-a-business-claim-exclusive-rights-over-a-geographical-word\/#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-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/can-a-business-claim-exclusive-rights-over-a-geographical-word\/#Point_of_Law_Settled\" >Point of Law Settled<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The decision is significant for businesses, brand owners, and legal practitioners because it clarifies that trademark protection does not automatically create monopoly over every individual word forming part of a composite trademark. At the same time, courts may protect the overall commercial identity, design, logo, and presentation of a mark where consumer confusion is likely.<\/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 dispute originated from a suit filed by Malabar Gold Private Ltd. before the Additional District Court-II, Kozhikode, alleging trademark infringement and passing off against M. Manuel, proprietor of Malabar Fashion Jewellery. The plaintiff claimed ownership over the trademark \u201cMalabar Gold\u201d along with its logo for jewelry products including gold, platinum, silver, and diamonds under Class 14 of the Trademarks classification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The plaintiff claimed that it had been using the trademark since 1993 and that the mark had acquired substantial goodwill and reputation in the jewelry market. It alleged that the defendant had adopted a deceptively similar trade name and logo with the intention of benefiting from the plaintiff\u2019s reputation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The defendant contested the claim and argued that it had independently carried on business under the name \u201cMalabar Fashion Jewelry&#8221; since 1990 in Delhi and surrounding areas. It contended that \u201cMalabar\u201d was a geographical term and that no party could claim exclusive rights over the expression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The trial court framed issues regarding maintainability, ownership of the trademark, similarity between marks, infringement, passing off, and entitlement to injunction. After considering evidence, it held that the defendant\u2019s mark was deceptively similar and granted permanent and mandatory injunctions under the Trade Marks Act, 1999.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The defendant challenged the decree before the High Court through the present appeal.<\/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\"><thead><tr><th>Particulars<\/th><th>Details<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Plaintiff\/Respondent<\/td><td>Malabar Gold Private Ltd.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Defendant\/Appellant<\/td><td>M. Manuel, proprietor of Malabar Fashion Jewellery<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Trial Court<\/td><td>Additional District Court-II, Kozhikode<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Trademark Claimed<\/td><td>\u201cMalabar Gold\u201d with logo, Class 14 (gold, platinum, silver, diamonds)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Plaintiff\u2019s Claimed Use Since<\/td><td>1993<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Defendant\u2019s Claimed Use Since<\/td><td>1990 (Delhi and surrounding areas)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Trial Court Outcome<\/td><td>Permanent and mandatory injunction granted under the Trade Marks Act, 1999<\/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 central issue before the Court was whether the appellant\u2019s use of \u201cMalabar Fashion Jewelry&#8221; amounted to infringement of the respondent\u2019s registered trademark \u201cMalabar Gold\u201d and whether the respondent had established a case of passing off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-appellant-s-arguments\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Appellants_Arguments\"><\/span>Appellant\u2019s Arguments<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Both parties possessed trademark registrations, so an infringement action could not succeed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Relied upon Sections 28(3), 29, and 30(2)(e) of the Trade Marks Act, 1999, arguing that registered proprietors could not sue each other for infringement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The respondent\u2019s registration was limited and did not grant exclusive rights over the word &#8220;Malabar.&#8221;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The respondent had failed to prove that the geographical term had acquired a secondary meaning exclusively identifying its business.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-respondent-s-arguments\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Respondents_Arguments\"><\/span>Respondent\u2019s Arguments<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The marks were visually, structurally, and commercially similar, and consumers could be misled into believing that the appellant\u2019s jewelry business was connected with the respondent.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-m-manuel-vs-malabar-gold-private-ltd-case-analysis\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"M_Manuel_Vs_Malabar_Gold_Private_Ltd_%E2%80%94_Case_Analysis\"><\/span>M. Manuel Vs. Malabar Gold Private Ltd. \u2014 Case Analysis<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 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><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Particular<\/th><th>Details<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Title of the Case<\/td><td>M. Manuel vs. Malabar Gold Private Ltd.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Date of Judgment\/Order<\/td><td>30.06.2026<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Case Number<\/td><td>RFA No. 7 of 2016 (A)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Neutral Citation<\/td><td>2026:KER:46835<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Name of Court<\/td><td>High Court of Kerala at Ernakulam<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Name of Honorable Judge<\/td><td>Justice Mohammed Nias C.P.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\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<h3 id=\"h-scope-of-section-28-of-the-trade-marks-act-1999\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Scope_of_Section_28_of_the_Trade_Marks_Act_1999\"><\/span>Scope of Section 28 of the Trade Marks Act, 1999<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court examined the effect of competing trademark registrations and interpreted the scope of Section 28 of the Trademarks Act, 1999. It held that Section 28(3) protects registered proprietors against infringement claims only when the competing registrations relate to identical or similar marks in respect of the same goods or services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-class-14-versus-class-35-distinction\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Class_14_Versus_Class_35_Distinction\"><\/span>Class 14 Versus Class 35 Distinction<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court observed that Class 14 relates to goods such as jewelry and precious metals, whereas Class 35 concerns services relating to business management, advertising, and retail activities. Therefore, a registration under one class cannot automatically protect use in another class.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-reliance-on-s-syed-mohideen-v-p-sulochana-bai\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reliance_on_S_Syed_Mohideen_v_P_Sulochana_Bai\"><\/span>Reliance on S. Syed Mohideen v. P. Sulochana Bai<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court relied upon the principles laid down by the Supreme Court in S. Syed Mohideen v. P. Sulochana Bai, (2016) 2 SCC 683, explaining that prior user rights and passing-off principles remain important even where registration exists. However, the Court distinguished that case because it did not concern competing registrations under different classes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-infringement-versus-passing-off\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Infringement_Versus_Passing_Off\"><\/span>Infringement Versus Passing Off<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court further discussed the distinction between infringement and passing off. Infringement is a statutory remedy arising from registration, whereas passing off protects goodwill and reputation developed through use. A passing off action requires proof of goodwill, misrepresentation, and damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-deceptive-similarity-and-the-average-consumer-test\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Deceptive_Similarity_and_the_Average_Consumer_Test\"><\/span>Deceptive Similarity and the Average Consumer Test<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court considered the principle of deceptive similarity and applied the average consumer test. It observed that trademarks must be compared as a whole and not by separating individual words. The overall visual presentation, logo design, arrangement, and commercial impression were relevant factors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-the-geographical-word-malabar\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Geographical_Word_%E2%80%9CMalabar%E2%80%9D\"><\/span>The Geographical Word &#8220;Malabar&#8221;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Regarding the word &#8220;Malabar,&#8221; the Court held that it was a geographical expression, and the respondent could not claim an absolute monopoly over the word alone. The registration itself contained a limitation stating that no exclusive right was granted over the word &#8220;Malabar.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-overall-mark-similarity-and-consumer-confusion\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Overall_Mark_Similarity_and_Consumer_Confusion\"><\/span>Overall Mark Similarity and Consumer Confusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, the Court found that the defendant&#8217;s mark was not merely using the common word &#8220;Malabar&#8221; but reproduced several elements of the respondent&#8217;s overall mark, including style, arrangement, logo presentation, and appearance. Therefore, consumer confusion was likely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-requirements-for-establishing-passing-off\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Requirements_for_Establishing_Passing_Off\"><\/span>Requirements for Establishing Passing Off<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On passing off, the court held that deceptive similarity alone is insufficient. The plaintiff must establish goodwill, misrepresentation, and damage. The court found that the plaintiff had not produced sufficient independent evidence before the trial court to establish the classical requirements of passing off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A passing off action requires proof of goodwill, misrepresentation, and damage.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\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 Court upheld the finding that the appellant&#8217;s mark was deceptively similar to the respondent&#8217;s registered trademark and that the respondent was entitled to protection against infringement. The Court rejected the argument that registration under a different class completely protected the appellant&#8217;s use of the mark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, the Court found deficiencies in the evidence supporting the passing off claim because goodwill and reputation were not sufficiently established through independent evidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The appeal was therefore disposed of accordingly, maintaining protection against trademark infringement while analyzing the passing-off claim separately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-point-of-law-settled\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Point_of_Law_Settled\"><\/span>Point of Law Settled<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The judgment establishes that a trademark owner cannot claim exclusive ownership over a geographical or descriptive word forming part of a composite trademark unless secondary meaning is proved.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It further clarifies that protection under Section 28(3) of the Trade Marks Act applies only where competing registrations concern the same goods or services. A registration in one class does not provide unrestricted protection against use relating to another class.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The decision also reinforces that courts must examine trademarks as a whole, considering visual appearance, overall commercial impression, and likelihood of confusion among ordinary consumers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Written By:\u00a0Advocate Ajay Amitabh Suman<\/strong>, IP Adjutor [Patent and Trademark Attorney], High Court of Delhi<br><strong>Disclaimer:\u00a0<\/strong>Images used herein do not reflect actual images used in Judgement, and the same are for illustrative purposes only. Readers are advised not to treat this as a substitute for legal advice, as it may contain errors in perception, interpretation, and presentation.<br>\u00a0<\/p>\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\/why-export-of-gems-and-jewellery-from-india-continues-to-shine-worldwide\/\">Why Export of Gems and Jewellery from India Continues to Shine Worldwide<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/gold-vs-fiat-money-criticisms-of-gold-future-monetary-system\/\">Gold vs Fiat Money: Criticisms of Gold, Inflation Risks, Future Monetary Systems and the Global Financial Outlook<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/history-of-gold-as-money-5000-years\/\">The 5,000-Year Journey of Gold as Money: How Gold Became the World&#8217;s Most Trusted Store of Value<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/central-banks-buying-gold-de-dollarization-brics-global-finance\/\">Why Central Banks Are Buying Gold Again: De-dollarisation, BRICS, and the Future of Global Money<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/gold-investment-guide-physical-gold-etfs-mining-stocks-silver-bitcoin-portfolio-strategy\/\">Gold Investment Guide 2026: Physical Gold, Gold ETFs, Mining Stocks, Silver, Bitcoin &amp; Portfolio Strategy<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Introduction The judgment in M. Manuel v. Malabar Gold Private Ltd. examines important principles of trademark protection, particularly the conflict between registered trademark rights, competing registrations, geographical words, and passing off claims. The dispute involved two jewelry businesses using similar expressions containing the word &#8220;Malabar,&#8221; raising significant questions regarding the extent of protection available to<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":56,"featured_media":0,"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,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"two_page_speed":[],"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"_joinchat":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[5149],"class_list":["post-27075","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","category-intellectual-property","tag-intellectual-property"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.7 (Yoast SEO v27.9) - 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