HUL gets tough with smaller rivals over trademark violations
MUMBAI:Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) has increased its firepower against copycats more than ever before, and smaller players are feeling the heat, be it small businesses in Assam, Gujarat, Jodhpur in Rajasthan or Jalpaiguri in West Bengal.
India’s largest packaged consumer goods company is suing smaller consumer goods makers more aggressively to prevent them from using identical trademarks, logos or even description to save its brands.
The firm has filed about 30 cases, almost one case every week since the beginning of the year, to restrain the copycats from manufacturing and marketIn ing identically packaged products.
“We are aggressive in protecting our intellectual property rights (IPR) and take prompt action whenever our rights are violated by third parties,” said an HUL spokesperson. “Whenever we become aware of any infringing activity, we promptly take appropriate action.”
May, the local subsidiary, Unilever PLC, approached the Bombay high court against HMT Detergents, a company based out of Himatnagar, a small town about 88km from Ahmedabad. The Anglo-Dutch consumer goods company alleged that the soap and detergent powder maker was infringing its mark, “Wheel”, by using an identical layout, placement of features and artwork for its brand “Toofan”.
On May 31, HMT Detergents sought an out-of-court settlement and agreed to stop marketing its washing powder and bar under the identical packaging.
Likewise, Indore-based Parmeshwari Ice Cream Pvt. Ltd was taken to court for its alleged infringement of HUL’s “Cornetto” ice cream brand.