Trademark infringement in India occurs when a person or entity uses a trademark that is identical or deceptively similar to a registered trademark, without the permission of the trademark holder, in such a way that it may cause confusion or deceive the public. Trademark infringement is a violation of the exclusive rights granted to the owner of a registered trademark. The purpose of protecting trademarks is to maintain brand identity and prevent consumers from being misled or confused about the origin of goods or services. Key Aspects of Trademark Infringement in India: Unauthorized Use of a Registered Trademark: A person or entity infringes a trademark when they use a mark identical or similar to a registered trademark without the consent of the registered trademark holder. The mark can be used in connection with identical or similar goods and services, which might lead consumers to believe there is a connection between the two businesses. Criteria for Infringement: Similarity: The trademark being used must be identical or deceptively similar to the registered trademark. Goods or Services: The goods or services associated with the allegedly infringing trademark should be similar to the goods or services for which the registered trademark is used. Likelihood of Confusion: There must be a likelihood that the public will be confused or misled into thinking that the goods or services originate from the same source as the registered trademark holder. Types of Infringement: Direct Infringement: Using a trademark that is identical to a registered trademark without permission. Indirect or Deceptive Infringement: Using a mark that is similar to the registered trademark, which could confuse consumers. Even slight variations can lead to confusion if the overall impression is similar. Rights of the Trademark Holder: The registered owner of a trademark has the exclusive right to use the mark in connection with the goods or services for which it is registered. The owner can take legal action against anyone who uses the trademark without authorization. Legal Remedies for Trademark Infringement: Injunction: The trademark holder can seek an injunction to prevent further use of the infringing mark. Damages: The trademark holder may claim damages for any loss suffered due to the infringement. Account of Profits: The infringer may be required to pay the profits made from the unauthorized use of the trademark. Criminal Action: Trademark infringement can also be a criminal offense under the Trademark Act, 1999, punishable with fines and imprisonment. Action Against Infringement: The trademark holder can file a civil suit for infringement in a civil court or seek relief through the Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB). They can also send a cease and desist letter to the infringer, demanding that they stop using the trademark. If the infringement is serious, the trademark holder can approach law enforcement agencies for criminal action. Defense Against Trademark Infringement: Non-use: The trademark holder might not have been using the trademark for a long time, and the defendant might argue that the mark is not in use. Honest Concurrent Use: The defendant may prove that their use of the mark is honest and not intended to cause confusion. Fair Use: The defendant may argue that their use of the mark was for descriptive purposes or as part of a legitimate business activity. Conclusion: Trademark infringement in India is a serious legal matter that undermines the rights of the registered trademark holder and can mislead consumers. Those found guilty of trademark infringement can face both civil and criminal penalties. It is crucial for businesses to ensure that their trademarks are not similar to existing registered marks to avoid legal disputes.