The Delhi High Court has steered the high-profile trademark clash between Eastern Book Company (EBC) and Rupa Publications towards mediation, after months of contention over the look and feel of their compact “coat-pocket” editions of the Constitution of India.
Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora directed the matter to the Delhi High Court Mediation and Conciliation Centre, asking the Organising Secretary to appoint a senior mediator. Both parties are expected to appear before the centre on November 20.
The court had earlier imposed an interim restraint on Rupa Publications, prohibiting it from publishing or selling its red-and-black pocket edition after finding it closely mirrored EBC’s signature design. Rupa has since filed an application seeking to lift that ex-parte injunction, to which the court has now called for EBC’s reply. The next hearing is scheduled for December 17.
In its suit, EBC claimed that since 2009 it has produced distinctive red-and-black “coat-pocket” editions of bare acts—marked by gold leafing, a specific font, and thin bible paper—earning the design a recognizable identity among law professionals and students. The company alleged that Rupa copied this distinctive appearance and even used similar listings on major e-commerce platforms and in retail spaces, leading to consumer confusion.
EBC also stated that an order of 18,000 copies of its mini Constitution was cancelled after the buyer was allegedly misled into believing that Rupa’s version was identical but cheaper.
Back in September, the court sided with EBC at the interim stage, observing that Rupa’s edition appeared deceptively similar and could mislead customers. It also ordered the recall of unsold copies of the contested publication.
The case—now headed to mediation—will test how closely a design can hug inspiration before crossing into imitation, in the crowded world of legal publishing.
