A court in Delhi has barred Skoda Auto India from using the name “Monte Carlo” for a car it launched in the country in August, The Economic Times reported on Saturday. The order came after Ludhiana-based garments company Monte Carlo Fashions claimed that the name of the vehicle, “Rapid Monte Carlo”, violated its trademark.
Additional District Judge Mukesh Kumar said it was “crystal clear” that Skoda had committed infringement by naming a car model after the clothing company.
“The plaintiff has a prima facie case on merit, and balance of convenience also lies in its favour,” the court said. “The plaintiff would suffer irreparable loss if injunction is not granted.”
The court passed an injunction asking Skoda India and its partners and distributors to not advertise, manufacture or sell any products under the “Monte Carlo” brand. The automaker was also restrained from using any other trademark that may be “identical or deceptively similar” to Monte Carlo Fashions’ trademark.
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