Delhi High Court Restrains Global Care Industries From Infringing Wipro's "MAXKLEEN" Trademark

Delhi High Court Restrains Global Care Industries From Infringing Wipro's "MAXKLEEN" Trademark

Introduction

The Delhi High Court, after considering the rights of Wipro Enterprises Private Limited on its trademark "MAXKLEEN," has restrained Global Care Industries from using a deceptively similar trademark "MACKLEAN" for household cleaning products.

Factual Background

Wipro Enterprises Private Limited, filed a suit against the defendant after it came across the listing of the defendant’s products on e-commerce platforms such as Meesho and Trade Raise. The defendant was using the trademark "MACKLEAN" in relation to its business, which the plaintiff claimed was a violation of its trademark "MAXKLEEN".

Procedural Background

The suit was filed before the Delhi High Court, and the court held that the mark "MACKLEAN" is deceptively similar to Wipro's trademark "MAXKLEEN" and therefore will amount to infringement of its trademark. The injunction was granted by the single bench of Justice Amit Bansal, who stated that "A perusal of the aforesaid would show that the defendants have adopted a mark which is deceptively similar to the plaintiffs' marks and in respect of identical goods."

Furthemore, the Court has directed the Local Commissioner to conduct the search and seizure of the infringing goods at the defendant’s premises and make copies of books of accounts including ledgers, cash registers, stock registers etc.

Issues Involved

1. Trademark Infringement: Whether the defendant's use of the mark "MACKLEAN" constitutes trademark infringement.

2. Interim Relief: Whether the plaintiff is entitled to interim injunction restraining the defendant from using the disputed trademark.

Reasoning and Analysis

The Delhi High Court has granted a permanent injunction after careful consideration of the rights of the plaintiff on its trademark, “MAXKLEEN”. As a result the Court has restrained the defendant from violating the trademark of the plaintiff along with passing off and other ancillary reliefs. Moreover, the Court while granting injunction also noted that the plaintiff’s trademark “MAXKLEEN” has gained immense goodwill and reputation in the market.

Final Decision

The Delhi High Court granted an injunction in favor of Wipro, restraining the defendant from using the mark "MAXKLEEN" deeming it deceptively similar to plaintiffs’ marks. The matter is supposed to be heard by the Court on September 26, 2025.

Law Settled

The Court’s decision emphasizes the importance of protecting trademark rights and avoiding irreparable injury to the reputation and goodwill of a brand in the market.

In this case the plaintiff was represented by Ankur Sangal, Partner, Khaitan & Co., along with his team comprising Ankit Arvind (Principal Associate), Raghu Vinayak Sinha (Senior Associate), and Amira Dhawan (Associate).