Bombay HC: Temporary Relief Granted to Siyaram Silk Mills in Trademark Dispute

Quick Summary: On January 13, 2026, the Bombay High Court decided in favor of Siyaram Silk Mills Ltd., giving them temporary relief against Stanford Siyaram Fashion Pvt. Ltd. for using their trademark without permission. The court found that Stanford Siyaram's use of the "Siyaram" name was dishonest and likely to confuse customers.

Background of the Case

Siyaram Silk Mills Ltd., a well-known textile company, has been using the "Siyaram" name since 1978. They filed a lawsuit to stop Stanford Siyaram Fashion Pvt. Ltd. from using a similar name, saying it violates their rights to the trademark.

• Trademark History: Siyaram Silk Mills started in 1978 and became a public company in 1980. They have registered several trademarks, the first one dating back to 1984.
• Plaintiff's Claim: Siyaram Silk Mills says they have built a strong reputation and trust under the "Siyaram" brand, which is well-known across India.

The Dispute

The conflict started when Siyaram Silk Mills found out in 2007 that Stanford Siyaram Fashion Pvt. Ltd. was using the "Siyaram" name in their business.

• Cease and Desist: On June 26, 2007, Siyaram Silk Mills sent a notice to Stanford Siyaram Fashion Pvt. Ltd. to stop using the name, but it was allegedly not received.
• Legal Action: Siyaram Silk Mills filed a lawsuit to stop Stanford Siyaram Fashion Pvt. Ltd. from using the "Siyaram" name and to ask for money as compensation.

Court Proceedings

Judge Arif S. Doctor was in charge of the case, which involved several arguments from both sides.

• Plaintiff's Argument: Siyaram Silk Mills, represented by Mr. Rashmin Khandekar, argued that Stanford Siyaram Fashion Pvt. Ltd.'s use of "Siyaram" was a deliberate attempt to take advantage of their established brand.

"The Defendants’ adoption of 'Siyaram' was dishonest and with full knowledge of the Plaintiff’s prior use and reputation."

• Defendants' Argument: Stanford Siyaram Fashion Pvt. Ltd., represented by Mr. Sandeep Parikh, claimed the name "Siyaram" is common and associated with a Hindu deity, so it is not exclusive to the plaintiff.

"Siyaram is the name of a Hindu God and routinely adopted as a business name."

Court's Decision

The court agreed with Siyaram Silk Mills, emphasizing the established trust and reputation of their trademark.

• Judgment Date: January 13, 2026
• Outcome: The court gave temporary relief to Siyaram Silk Mills, stopping Stanford Siyaram Fashion Pvt. Ltd. from using the "Siyaram" name.

Summary of the Verdict

The court's decision supports the protection of trademark rights, showing the importance of brand identity and how customers see it. This case reminds businesses of the challenges around using trademarks and the importance of having unique business names.