Patna: The Patna High Court has issued an interim injunction restraining Johnson Paints Private Limited from using the name “Johnson” in a high-profile trademark dispute in the paint industry.
A division bench comprising Rajiv Ranjan Prasad and Praveen Kumar passed the order while hearing an appeal filed by Johnson Paints Company, which claims rights over the brand since 1987.
Court Restrains Use Of Brand
The court directed the defendant company, along with its directors, officers, agents, dealers and distributors, not to manufacture, advertise, sell or stock products under any identical or deceptively similar trademark, label, logo or trade dress using the name “Johnson”.
Dispute Over Brand Ownership
The case centres on competing claims over the “Johnson” brand, with the plaintiff asserting long-standing use, while the defendant—established in 2009—has also been operating under the same name.
The appeal challenged an earlier order by a commercial court in Patna that had declined to grant interim relief.
Bench Flags Risk Of Consumer Confusion
The high court observed that the lower court had failed to adequately consider key factors, including the likelihood of consumer confusion, the plaintiff’s established goodwill and the potential for irreparable harm.
It noted that allowing both parties to operate under the same name could mislead consumers and create market confusion.
Protection Of Brand Identity
The bench emphasised that in trademark disputes, protecting brand identity and reputation is crucial. It said failure to grant interim relief could result in losses that may not be compensable at a later stage.
Holding that the case presented a prima facie risk of deception, the court said an injunction was necessary in the interest of justice.
