Trademark disputes are once again making headlines in India, and one of the most talked-about cases is the long-running battle between Amazon vs Lifestyle trademark case. This legal tussle has a history of twists and turns, with both companies facing wins and setbacks over the years. In the latest development, the Supreme Court of India dismissed a plea by Lifestyle that sought to enforce a massive ₹340 crore damages award against Amazon. The ruling has given significant relief to the e-commerce giant, but the case itself is far from over. To understand the background, the legal arguments, and what this decision means for the future, keep reading.
How the Amazon vs Lifestyle Beverly Hills Polo Club Trademark Dispute Began
This trademark infringement fight in India has been going on for years. To understand what’s happening now, let’s look at how it started.
- In 2020, Lifestyle Equities C.V., the company that owns the Beverly Hills Polo Club (BHPC) brand, sued Amazon and its seller Cloudtail India. They claimed Amazon’s own clothing brand, “Symbol,” was using logos that looked too much like BHPC’s.
- In October 2020, the Delhi High Court told Amazon and Cloudtail to stop using the logo until the case was decided. By April 2022, Amazon did not show up in court and was moved forward without them (ex parte), while Cloudtail admitted it was guilty.
- In March 2023, the court said Amazon was responsible and ordered it to pay about ₹336 crore in damages, plus banned it from using the logo again.
- Amazon fought back, and in July 2025, a higher court put the order on hold, saying there were problems in how the earlier decision was made and the damages were too high.
After all these legal battles, the Supreme Court of India finally gave its order in this case in September.
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What Is the Supreme Court’s Recent Order in the Amazon vs Lifestyle Trademark Case?
In September 2025, the Supreme Court of India dismissed Lifestyle Equities’ plea to lift the Delhi High Court’s stay order in its trademark dispute with Amazon. This meant that Amazon would not have to pay the earlier-awarded ₹340 cr. in damages, at least for the time being. However, the relief granted was only temporary, as the case is still active before the Delhi High Court, which will continue to examine the matter and decide Amazon’s liability based on the merits of the case. There are multiple reasons which stated for the order.
- Amazon was proceeded ex parte without being properly served, raising due process concerns.
- The ₹336 crore award went far beyond Lifestyle’s original ₹2 crore claim without proper amendment of pleadings.
- The single-judge order did not clearly establish Amazon’s direct role in affixing or authorizing the infringing mark.
- Overall, the High Court’s process had significant flaws, justifying the stay order.
What Can Businesses Learn from the Amazon vs Lifestyle Trademark Dispute
The Amazon vs. Lifestyle case teaches businesses that protecting trademarks and intellectual property rights (IPR) early is crucial, as even small overlaps in branding can trigger costly disputes. It shows that e-commerce platforms and private labels must ensure their logos and products are clearly distinct to avoid infringement. The case also highlights how damages can escalate far beyond initial claims, why following proper legal procedures matters, and that trademark litigation can be a long, resource-heavy battle. Most importantly, it reminds business owners that reputation is just as valuable as financial gains in protecting a brand.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s September ruling has given Amazon a major breather in its ₹340 crore trademark battle with Lifestyle Equities, but the dispute is far from over. With the case now back before the Delhi High Court, the final word on liability and damages is still to come, making this one of India’s most closely watched trademark disputes.
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