Trademark - Liqour "Officer's Choice" and "Original Choice." - Parties to explore mediation.

Supreme Court Recommends Mediation in Trademark Dispute Between Liquor Giants John Distilleries and Allied Blenders & Distillers to Explore Amicable Resolution Over Trademark Confusion

In a significant development, the Supreme Court of India has intervened in a longstanding trademark dispute between two major players in the liquor industry, M/s. John Distilleries Pvt. Limited and M/s. Allied Blenders and Distillers Pvt. Ltd. The apex court, in its order dated November 17, 2025, has suggested mediation as a means to resolve the ongoing conflict, urging both parties to explore a mutually agreeable solution.

The case revolves around the trademark contention over the branding of the respondent's product "Officer's Choice" and the petitioner's product "Original Choice." Initially, the Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB) had dismissed rectification applications from both parties, ruling the trademarks were dissimilar and unlikely to confuse the public. However, the High Court of Judicature at Madras overturned the IPAB's decision, allowing the respondent's rectification application while dismissing the petitioner's.

Senior advocates representing both sides presented their arguments before the Supreme Court. Advocates for the petitioner included Mr. Mukul Rohatgi and Mr. Shyam Divan, while the respondent's team was led by Mr. Harish Salve and Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi. During these proceedings, the Supreme Court proposed mediation as a potential path to resolution, with both parties agreeing to attempt an amicable settlement.

The court has appointed Hon'ble Mr. Justice L. Nageswara Rao, a former judge of the Supreme Court, to act as the mediator for the case. The court emphasized the urgency of the matter, instructing the parties to contact Justice Rao promptly to schedule preliminary discussions within the week. The honorarium for the mediation process will be determined by Justice Rao and equally shared by both parties.

The Supreme Court has scheduled further hearings for December 8, 2025, providing a timeline for the mediation process to unfold. This approach underscores the court's inclination towards resolving commercial disputes through alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, potentially setting a precedent for similar cases in the future.

Bottom Line:

Trademark dispute between parties in liquor manufacturing business - High Court set aside IPAB's order and allowed rectification filed by respondent - Parties agreed to explore amicable settlement through mediation.

Statutory provision(s):  

- Trademark Law

- Intellectual Property Rights

- Mediation and Conciliation in Civil Procedure

M/s. John Distilleries Pvt Limited v. M/s. Allied Blenders And Distillers Pvt Ltd., (SC) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2810381