Archive · 16 Jun 2025
Bombay High Court Rules in Yamaha Trademark Case
Yamaha wanted to register 'WR' for motorcycles in India, but the government said no, worried it would be confused with Honda's 'WR-V' cars.
Yamaha went to court.
The court said the government didn't fully consider that Yamaha uses 'WR' worldwide since 1990.
The court said the government needs to look at the case again, maybe asking the public for opinions.
They should give a better explanation for their decision.
Bombay High Court overturned the Registrar's denial of Yamaha's 'WR' trademark.
The court found the Registrar should have considered Yamaha's global use of the trademark.
Yamaha sought to register 'WR' for motorcycles, while Honda owns 'WR-V' for cars.
The court criticized the Registrar's 'cryptic' order, which ignored key details.
The court directed the Registrar to advertise Yamaha's application and consider public objections.
- Who
- Yamaha and Honda, with Yamaha challenging the Registrar of Trade Marks.
- What
- Bombay High Court overturned a decision refusing Yamaha a trademark.
- When
- June 13, the court made the decision.
- Where
- Bombay High Court, Mumbai, India.
- Why
- The court found the registrar's decision didn't sufficiently address Yamaha's international trademark use.
Registrar's Initial Position
Yamaha's Argument
Trademark Similarity and Confusion
Registrar's Initial Position
Potential for public confusion due to similar trademarks.
Yamaha's Argument
Yamaha's international use of 'WR' since 1990, especially for motorcycles.
- Court
- Bombay High Court
- Trademark in Question
- WR (Yamaha)
- Opposing Trademark
- WR-V (Honda)
- Yamaha's Application
- Register 'WR' for motorcycles in India
- Yamaha's International Use
- Since 1990 across 131 countries since 1999
- Court's Direction
- Re-evaluate, seek public objections
Sources
HC quashes order refusing Yamaha trademark similar to Honda’s; directs authority to decide afresh
Yamaha trademark similar to Honda, HC quashes order; directs authority to decide afresh
HC quashes order refusing Yamaha trademark similar to Honda's; directs authority to decide afresh
