Archive · 28 Jul 2025
Kirloskar Trademark: High Court Allows Licensing with Limits
Imagine a family, the Kirloskars, who own a famous name.
They have companies using this name.
There's a fight over who can use it.
The court said Kirloskar Proprietary Ltd (KPL) can let its group companies use the name, but not if they compete with Kirloskar Brothers Ltd (KBL).
Think of it like sharing toys: some get to play with them, but not if it causes problems for others.
Bombay High Court allowed KPL to resume licensing of the 'Kirloskar' trademark.
The court overturned a Pune court's prior ban on new brand licensing.
New licenses cannot be issued for businesses competing with KBL.
The trademark has been used by group firms since the 1920s, with KPL as custodian.
A related Sebi battle involves disclosure of a 2009 Family Settlement.
- Who
- Kirloskar Proprietary Ltd (KPL) and Kirloskar Brothers Ltd (KBL).
- What
- Bombay High Court ruled on the Kirloskar trademark dispute, allowing KPL to resume licensing.
- When
- July 25, 2024, with a next hearing on August 11.
- Where
- Bombay High Court.
- Why
- To resolve the ongoing trademark dispute and licensing rights.
Kirloskar Brothers' Position
Kirloskar Proprietary Ltd's Position
Licensing Rights
Kirloskar Brothers' Position
Sought to limit KPL's ability to grant licenses.
Kirloskar Proprietary Ltd's Position
KPL can grant licenses to group companies, excluding competing businesses.
- Court
- Bombay High Court
- Parties Involved
- KPL & KBL
- Trademark
- 'Kirloskar'
- Ruling
- KPL can license; no licenses for competing businesses.
- Next Hearing
- August 11
- Related Issue
- Sebi battle over family settlement disclosure
