Waymo LLC successfully restrains P-Waymo Electric Vehicles Pvt. Ltd. from using deceptively similar trademarks and trade names.
In a significant decision, the Delhi High Court has granted an interim injunction in favor of Waymo LLC, a renowned global leader in autonomous driving technology, against P-Waymo Electric Vehicles Private Limited and its associated entities. The decision, delivered by Justice Jyoti Singh on April 20, 2026, seeks to protect Waymo's trademarks from infringement and prevent consumer confusion.
The plaintiff, Waymo LLC, alleged that the defendants were using the name "P-Waymo" as part of their trade name, trademark, and logo, which closely resembles the registered trademarks of Waymo. The court noted that Waymo is a pioneer in the autonomous driving sector and holds extensive goodwill and international recognition associated with its trademarks.
Waymo LLC presented a strong case demonstrating its trademark rights and the potential harm caused by the defendants' actions. The court acknowledged Waymo's global presence, extensive use, and the reputation of its trademarks, which include collaborations with major brands like Uber, Hyundai, and Jaguar Land Rover.
Justice Singh ruled that Waymo LLC had established a prima facie case for interim relief, emphasizing the likelihood of confusion among consumers due to the deceptive similarity of the defendants' marks. The court restrained the defendants from using any marks, trade names, domain names, or social media accounts that are confusingly similar to Waymo's trademarks.
Furthermore, the court directed the defendants to take down infringing URLs and cease operations under the corporate name "P-Waymo Electric Vehicles Private Limited," as it subsumes Waymo's registered trademark, constituting infringement under Section 29(5) of the Trade Marks Act, 1999.
The court's order extends to various online platforms, including websites and social media pages, to prevent further misuse of Waymo's trademarks. The defendants were absent during the proceedings despite being served, leading to the decision to proceed with ex parte orders.
This judgment underscores the importance of trademark protection, particularly for global entities like Waymo, which have invested significant resources in building a distinctive brand identity. The court's decision aims to safeguard Waymo's reputation and prevent any potential misleading association between the two companies.
Waymo LLC's legal team, led by Ms. Shwetasree Majumder, argued effectively for the interim relief, highlighting the defendants' attempt to capitalize on Waymo's established goodwill and reputation. The court's order is a crucial step in ensuring that Waymo's trademarks remain protected from unauthorized use and infringement.
The case is scheduled for further hearing on August 19, 2026, and Waymo LLC is expected to comply with procedural requirements under Order XXXIX Rule 3 CPC.
Bottom line:-
Trademark Law - Interim injunction granted in favor of Plaintiff to restrain Defendants from using Plaintiff's registered trademarks, trade names, domain names, or logos deceptively similar to those of Plaintiff, to prevent trademark infringement and passing off.
Statutory provision(s): Trade Marks Act, 1999 Sections 29(5), 134, Order XXXIX Rules 1 and 2 CPC
Waymo LLC v. P-Waymo Electric Vehicles Private Limited, (Delhi) : Law Finder Doc id # 2891321
