Delhi High Court to Consider Campus Activewear's Plea Against Campus Sutra for Trademark Infringement

Delhi High Court to Consider Campus Activewear's Plea Against Campus Sutra for Trademark Infringement

Introduction

The Delhi High Court has issued notice to fashion brand Campus Sutra in a trademark infringement suit filed by sportswear company Campus Activewear. The suit alleges infringement of Campus Activewear's trademark ‘CAMPUS’ and seeks a permanent injunction to restrain Campus Sutra from using the word ‘CAMPUS’ on a standalone basis, infringing copyrights, and passing off.

Factual Background

Campus Activewear has been using its ‘CAMPUS’ trademark for its sportswear products, while Campus Sutra has been using its mark 'CAMPUS SUTRA' for its apparel since 2012. However, Campus Sutra's lawyers admitted that three out of 11,000 designs inadvertently bore the mark 'Campus' alone and got listed on online platforms. Campus Activewear argued that such standalone use could confuse consumers and dilute its established brand identity.

Procedural Background

The court was informed that Campus Sutra had already written to various online platforms to remove the listing of these products. The counsel appearing for Campus Sutra submitted that the defendant will not use the mark 'CAMPUS' on a standalone basis till the next date of hearing.

Contentions of the Parties

Campus Activewear alleges trademark infringement and passing off by Campus Sutra, claiming that use of ‘CAMPUS’ by itself amounts to misuse of its registered trademark. Campus Sutra claims that it has been using the mark 'CAMPUS SUTRA' for its apparel since 2012 without any issues. Campus Sutra's lawyers also submitted that they will not use the mark 'CAMPUS' on a standalone basis till the next date of hearing.

Reasoning & Analysis

The bench of Justice Amit Bansal has issued notice to Campus Sutra and will consider Campus Activewear's plea for interim relief on November 10, 2025. The court's decision will depend on the merits of the case and the submissions made by both parties.

Implications

The outcome of the case may have implications for trademark infringement cases, particularly in the fashion industry. The court's decision will also determine the scope of protection for trademarks and the limits of using similar marks. It may also clarify how courts view standalone use of dominant parts of a composite mark.

Final Outcome

The court has issued notice to Campus Sutra and will hear the matter next on November 10, 2025. Campus Sutra has agreed not to use the mark 'CAMPUS' on a standalone basis till the next date of hearing.

In this case the plaintiff was represented by Mr. Sandeep Sethi, Senior Advocate with Mr. Samudra Sarangi, Ms. Shruti Raina, Ms. Saloni Jain, Ms. Priyal Sarawagi & Mr. Paritosh Tengshe, Advocates. Meanwhile the defendant was represented by Mr. Amit Sibal, Senior Advocate with Mr. Saurav Agarwal, Mr. Adarsh Ramanujan, Mr. Asav Rajan, Mr. Ajay Sharma, Ms. Kashish Chadha, Mr. Devang Shrotiya, Mr. Akash Saxena and Mr. Aditya Shah, Advocates.