Does Section 29(4) of the Trade Marks Act protect a reputed registered trademark against use on dissimilar goods?

Yes. Section 29(4) extends protection to a registered trademark having a reputation in India even in relation to dissimilar goods or services. The registered proprietor must establish that the trademark has acquired reputation in India, that the impugned use is without due cause, and that such use takes unfair advantage of, or is detrimental to, the distinctive character or reputation of the registered trademark. The object of the provision is to preserve the distinctiveness and goodwill of a reputed trademark and to prevent any person from unfairly exploiting or diluting its reputation. That the rival goods are neither allied nor cognate is therefore not, by itself, an answer to a claim under the provision.

Trade Marks Act, 1999 — s.29(4) — Infringement of a registered trademark having a reputation in India — Dissimilar goods — Use without due cause — Unfair advantage and dilution — Dictionary word acquiring secondary meaning — Burden on the later adopter — Prior use — Passing off — Rendition of accounts — Trade Marks Act, 1999 — s.29(4) — reputation in India — dissimilar goods — Held: A registered trademark with a reputation in India is protected under Section 29(4) even against dissimilar goods, where the use is without due cause. That the goods are neither allied nor cognate is no answer to such a claim. (¶23, 31) Trade Marks Act, 1999 — s.29(4) — dictionary word — secondary meaning — Held further: An ordinary dictionary word cannot ordinarily be monopolised, but long, continuous and extensive commercial use may give it a secondary meaning. It is then exclusively associated in the minds of the purchasing public with one proprietor and is protectable. (¶25, 26) Trade Marks Act, 1999 — s.29(4) — due cause — burden on the later adopter — Held further: Once reputation is established, the burden lies on the later adopter to show adoption was honest, bona fide, independent and with due cause. A bare claim that the identical mark was chosen arbitrarily does not discharge it. (¶29, 33) Trade Marks Act, 1999 — s.29(4) — proof of actual confusion not required — relief — Held further: Section 29(4) requires no proof of actual confusion or actual damage; likelihood of unfair advantage or detriment suffices. The appeal was partly allowed with a permanent injunction, passing off and rendition of accounts being rejected for want of evidence. (¶36, 39)

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