The Delhi High Court has ruled against Amazon, ordering one of its units to pay $39 million (over Rs 337 crore) as compensation for violating trademark rights.
The case was filed by Lifestyle Equities, the company that owns the Beverly Hills Polo Club (BHPC) horse logo. The company claimed that Amazon India was selling clothes with a similar-looking logo at lower prices, which misled customers and harmed the BHPC brand.
The court found that the infringing products were linked to Amazon Technologies and were being sold on the Amazon India platform. As a result, the court decided that Amazon must pay damages for the unauthorized use of the trademark.
Amazon India Fined $39 Million
The Delhi High Court has ordered Amazon India unit to pay Rs 339.25 crore in damages to luxury clothing brand Beverly Hills Polo Club (BHPC) for trademark infringement.
BHPC filed a lawsuit claiming that Amazon’s private label, Amazon Technologies, used its trademarked logo without permission and sold garments with similar branding at lower prices on the Amazon India website.
Justice Prathiba M. Singh criticized Amazon for deliberately trying to avoid responsibility by acting as an intermediary, retailer, and brand owner at the same time. The court noted that Amazon was fully aware of BHPC’s exclusive rights, as it had faced similar legal action in multiple countries, including the UK.
The court issued a permanent injunction, preventing Amazon from selling any products that infringe on BHPC’s trademark in the future.
Also Check: Unified Pension Scheme Launching on April 1
Delhi High Court Rules Against Amazon in Trademark Dispute
The Delhi High Court recently made an important decision in a trademark dispute involving Amazon and the US-based company BHPC (Beverly Hills Polo Club). Legal experts believe this ruling is a significant milestone in Indian trademark law.
In its 85-page order, the court found that the logo used on the disputed product was almost identical to BHPC’s registered trademark. Because of this, the court issued a permanent injunction against Amazon, which means the company is legally prohibited from using the infringing logo.
Amazon Found Guilty of Trademark Infringement
The court also ruled that Amazon deliberately and knowingly violated BHPC’s trademark rights. It pointed out that Amazon sells clothing under its own brand called ‘SYMBOL’, and the disputed horse logo was used on apparel sold under this brand.
Amazon’s Influence in the E-commerce Industry
The court further noted that Amazon is one of the largest e-commerce platforms in the world, with vast resources and a strong market presence. This gives the company an advantage in promoting its own products as well as those it decides to highlight.
Amazon’s Response and Past Legal Issues
Amazon’s India unit has denied any wrongdoing, but it has not made an official statement about the ruling. This is not the first time Amazon has faced legal trouble over trademarks. In 2023, the company lost a similar case in the United Kingdom after violating British trademark laws.
This case highlights the importance of trademark protection and serves as a warning to companies about respecting intellectual property rights in global markets.
Also Read: Ex New India Co-operative Bank Manager Arrested in ₹122 Crore Fraud Case
FAQs
Q.1. Why did Amazon India have to pay ₹339 crore in damages?
Ans. The Delhi High Court ruled that Amazon India infringed on BHPC’s trademark by selling apparel with a similar logo, misleading customers and damaging the brand’s reputation.
Q.2. What was the key ruling in the Amazon-BHPC trademark case?
Ans. The court found Amazon guilty of trademark infringement, imposed a ₹339 crore fine, and issued a permanent injunction preventing further sales of infringing products.
Q.3. What is the significance of this ruling in trademark law?
Ans. This ruling reinforces trademark protection in India and highlights the accountability of e-commerce platforms for selling counterfeit or misleading products.
Q.4. Has Amazon faced similar trademark disputes before?
Ans. Yes, Amazon lost a similar case in the UK in 2023 for violating British trademark laws, demonstrating a pattern of trademark-related legal issues.
Q.5. How has Amazon responded to the Delhi High Court’s ruling?
Ans. Amazon India has denied any wrongdoing but has not issued an official statement regarding the court’s decision or the imposed fine.
