The Delhi High Court has issued an interim injunction favoring Hippo Homes, a home improvement retailer, in a trademark dispute with a competing entity accused of using deceptively similar branding.
Justice Mini Pushkarna, presiding over the case, restrained AR Metal Works, operated by Azhar Ahmed, from using “Hippo Marks” or any closely resembling identifier until further court proceedings. Additionally, the order required the immediate removal of any such branding from social media and the defendant’s website.
Hippo Homes argued that its branding, used since 2021, represents a trusted identity in the home improvement industry, offering a vast range of construction and retail products from leading brands like Kohler, Jaquar, Philips, and Panasonic. The retailer claimed the defendant’s unauthorized use of “Hippo Marks” was misleading customers and exploiting the goodwill associated with its name.
In support of its case, Hippo Homes presented a comparison of its branding with that of the defendant, who was operating under the name “hippostore,” while the plaintiff’s official domain is “hippostores.” The court found these similarities sufficient to conclude that Hippo Homes would suffer irreparable harm without immediate intervention.
Justice Pushkarna noted the balance of convenience was in favor of the plaintiff and granted the injunction in an ex-parte ruling, meaning the defendant was not present during the hearing. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on February 20, 2025.
This development underscores the significance of brand protection in a competitive market, where identity and goodwill are invaluable assets.
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