In a recent court case, Ramnish Verma and Finesse Fashions Pvt. Ltd. went up against the Haddad Apparel Group Ltd. over the use of the "Rookies" name for their brand. Let's break down what happened and what the court decided.
Ramnish Verma and Finesse Fashions Pvt. Ltd. have been using "ROOKIES" since 2008 for their clothing brand. They registered the name in India and other countries. They claim the Haddad Apparel Group Ltd.'s use of "ROOKIE USA" is too similar and could confuse customers.
"The Plaintiffs seek to stop the Defendants from using the name 'ROOKIE'..."
The Haddad Apparel Group Ltd. argues they registered "ROOKIE" in 2014 and have been using it globally. They believe there's no confusion because they focus on kids' clothing under "ROOKIE USA".
The court found that the names are very similar, especially since "ROOKIE" and "ROOKIES" are nearly identical. The court also noted that both parties sell similar products like clothing and accessories.
"The rival products are closely connected from a business and commercial point of view..."
Ramnish Verma and Finesse Fashions Pvt. Ltd. have been using "ROOKIES" since 2008, while the Haddad Apparel Group Ltd. didn't use "ROOKIE" in India until 2019. The court suggested the Haddad Apparel Group Ltd. might have given up on their trademark by not using it earlier.
Judge Sharmila U. Deshmukh decided in favor of Ramnish Verma and Finesse Fashions Pvt. Ltd., granting an order to stop the Haddad Apparel Group Ltd. from using "ROOKIE" or "ROOKIE USA" in connection with clothing and related goods.
"The Plaintiffs have shown enough reason for temporary relief..."
The Haddad Apparel Group Ltd. requested a pause on the order, which the court granted for six weeks. This gives them time to decide their next steps.
