Trademarks are one of the best ways for businesses to protect their identity and brand value, ensuring that no one else can unfairly benefit from their reputation. Trademark rights give companies the legal power to act if someone tries to copy or misuse their brand name — and that’s exactly what happened in the Carnatic Café trademark case. The Delhi-based restaurant filed a lawsuit against a Bengaluru company that attempted to use the name “Carnatic” for its own restaurant. This case is a perfect example of how trademark protection plays a crucial role in today’s competitive market. Keep reading to learn more about this case and stay updated on the latest intellectual property news from India and around the world.
How Did the Delhi-Based Carnatic Café End Up in a Trademark Fight?
To understand the Delhi High Court’s decision, it’s important to first look at how this case began. It all started back in 2019, when the Delhi-based South Indian restaurant chain Carnatic Café noticed something unusual — a Bengaluru-based company, Lemonpepper Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., had opened a restaurant using the name “Carnatic”, which was almost identical to their own. Carnatic Café felt this could confuse customers and make them think the two businesses were related. Believing that Lemonpepper was trying to benefit from its reputation and that this was a clear trademark infringement, Carnatic Café decided to take legal action.
The restaurant filed a trademark infringement lawsuit in the District Court of Delhi, claiming exclusive rights over the “CARNATIC CAFÉ” brand. After reviewing the case, the court initially issued an interim injunction, Carnatic Cafe Trademark Case which temporarily stopped the Bengaluru company from using the name “Carnatic” until the case was fully resolved.
However, by March 2020, the defendants failed to file their written response within the court’s deadline, which led the court to strike off their defense. From that point onward, the case proceeded solely on the basis of Carnatic Café’s evidence. Over the following years, the restaurant provided proof of its registered trademark ownership, long-term use, and strong brand reputation, all of which strengthened its position in the case.
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What Was the Final Verdict of the Delhi HC in the Carnatic Café vs Bengaluru Restaurant Trademark Dispute?
The Delhi High Court’s final decision in the Carnatic Café trademark case came on October 29, 2025, and it was a big win for Carnatic Café. The court ruled that the Bengaluru-based Lemonpepper Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. had indeed infringed on Carnatic Café’s registered trademark by using the name “Carnatic” for its own restaurant. According to the court, this was unauthorized, misleading, and could easily confuse customers, especially since both businesses were in the same food and hospitality industry. And the court also issued specific orders against the Bengaluru-based café, such as:
- As part of the order, the court issued a permanent injunction, stopping Lemonpepper Hospitality and its associates from using the word “Carnatic” or anything similar for any restaurant or related business.
- It also told the Bengaluru firm to transfer its domain name to Carnatic Café within four weeks.
- On top of that, the company was ordered to pay 50k in damages and 10k rupees in legal costs.
Conclusion
The Carnatic Café trademark case highlights how crucial it is for businesses to protect their brand identity through proper trademark registration. The Delhi High Court’s ruling not only safeguarded Carnatic Café’s rights but also set a clear example that unauthorized use of a registered name won’t be tolerated. In today’s competitive market, this case serves as a strong reminder that a brand’s name isn’t just a label — it’s a valuable asset worth defending.
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