Reliance Industries secures legal victory in ‘Vimal’ trademark case

Reliance Industries Limited has secured a legal win in a trademark infringement case involving the ‘Vimal’ brand, with the Gujarat High Court upholding a previous order restraining Ludhiana-based Jaipal Gaba and his firm Mack Hosiery from using the mark on apparel.

The case originated from a 2021 lawsuit filed by Reliance Industries Limited, which claimed exclusive rights to the ‘Vimal’ trademark, used by the company since 1967 and registered under Class 24 for textiles, the business announced in a press release. RIL argued that Gaba’s use of the name on garments such as t-shirts and shirts, along with references to ‘Reliance,’ amounted to trademark infringement and misled consumers.

The Commercial Court in Ahmedabad had earlier barred Gaba and Mack Hosiery from using the names ‘Vimal,’ ‘Vimal Jonney,’ and ‘Mack Vimal.’ Gaba contested the jurisdiction of the court, stating that his rights were derived from Milap Hosiery’s registration of ‘Vimal’ under Class 25 in 1976 and an assignment deed dated 1986.

However, the High Court noted that both parties’ products are sold through similar retail channels, creating a likelihood of consumer confusion. It recognised RIL as the prior user of the mark and stated, “The plaintiff’s case for passing off under Section 135 read with Section 27(2) of the Trademarks Act is prima facie made out.”The decision reinforces RIL’s longstanding rights over the ‘Vimal’ trademark across both apparel and textile categories.