Swadeshi obtains enjoining order against Reebonn Lanka and Lanka Sathosa over IP rights violation

The Swadeshi Industrial Works PLC, manufacturer of Swadeshi Khomba for eight decades obtained several enjoining orders in respect of ‘Sathosa Kohomba’ manufactured by Reebonn Lanka Pvt Ltd. and distributed by Lanka Sathosa Ltd for violation of intellectual property rights of its Swadeshi Khomba.

The Commercial High Court of Colombo Judge M.A.R Marrikar issued the said enjoining orders on June 22nd.

Swadeshi is the owner and producer of Swadeshi Khomba, the market leader in the herbal soap and herbal personal care category for eight decades and using the popularity gained by Swadeshi Khomba, Swadeshi instituted action against Lanka Sathosa and Reebonn Lanka on the basis that they were manufacturing, marketing and selling ‘Sathosa Kohomba’ with extremely similar packaging and branding to its ‘Swadeshi Khomba’, which Swadeshi claimed violated its intellectual property rights.

The Colombo Commercial High Court Judge M.A.R Marrikar upon being satisfied of the submissions of counsel for Swadeshi, Romesh de Silva PC, issued several enjoining orders which included the prevention of the Reebonn Lanka and Lanka Sathosa from in any way or manner manufacturing, distributing and selling a product which is identical or similar to its personal care product ‘Swadeshi Khomba’.

Swadeshi Khomba is a registered trademark and has been used for over 80 years. Swadeshi Khomba is a registered product at National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA), Sri Lanka. Swadeshi, a 100 percent Sri Lankan company has claimed many industry firsts to its name including the most recent Covid19 safety management certification.

The Swadeshi Industrial Works PLC was represented by Romesh De Silva, President’s Counsel with Shanaka Cooray and Vasanthakumar Niles, instructed by D. L& F De Sara m–Attorneys-at-law& Notaries Public.