Bombay High Court Grants Ad-Interim Injunction to Reliance Industries Limited in Trademark Infringement Case

Defendants restrained from using "JIO" trademark and domain name in taxi services; Court emphasizes protection of well-known trademarks.

In a significant judgment on October 7, 2025, the Bombay High Court, presided by Justice Somasekhar Sundaresan, granted Reliance Industries Limited ad-interim relief against Asif Ahmed and others for trademark infringement and passing off concerning the "JIO" trademark. The case, registered as Interim Application (L) No. 28031 of 2025 in Commercial IP Suit (L) No. 27370 of 2025, revolved around the unauthorized use of the "JIO" trademark by the defendants in their taxi services and related domain name, www.jiocabs.com.

Reliance Industries Limited, the plaintiff in the case, sought to restrain the defendants from using the "JIO" name and deceptively similar marks in their business operations. The "JIO" trademark, a well-known brand recognized under multiple classes including digital services and transport, was reportedly being used by the defendants to offer taxi services, thereby infringing upon the trademark rights of the plaintiff.

The court acknowledged the strong prima facie case presented by Reliance Industries Limited, noting the potential for grave injury due to the continued unauthorized use of the "JIO" trademark. Justice Sundaresan pointed out that the balance of convenience favored the plaintiff, given the defendants' apparent acknowledgment and subsequent change in their business name following the initiation of legal proceedings. Despite these changes, the infringing domain name remained active, prompting the court to grant urgent ad-interim relief.

The judgment emphasized the importance of protecting well-known trademarks, with the court ordering the defendants to cease using the "JIO" trademark and related pirated artworks. The court clarified that the defendants could approach the court to vary, alter, or vacate the relief granted.

Reliance Industries Limited's legal counsel, Mr. Vinod A. Bhagat, highlighted the necessity for intervention to protect the plaintiff's trademark rights, pointing out multiple registrations of the "JIO" trademark across various classes, including digital services, transport, packaging, and travel arrangements.

The Bombay High Court's decision reinforces the protection of intellectual property rights, particularly well-known trademarks, and serves as a cautionary tale for businesses engaging in unauthorized use of established brand names.

Bottom Line:

Intellectual Property - Trademark infringement and passing off - Plaintiff seeking ad-interim injunction against Defendants for using the "JIO" trademark and deceptively similar marks/artworks in their taxi services and related domain name.

Statutory provision(s): Trademark Act, Copyright Act, Civil Procedure Code

Reliance Industries Limited v. Asif Ahmed, (Bombay) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2791022