In a dramatic legal defense of culinary heritage, the Delhi High Court has issued a temporary ban on any unauthorized use of the ‘Moti Mahal’ trademark, safeguarding the legacy tied to one of India’s most renowned restaurant names. The ruling, a victory for Rupa Gujral—the daughter of a founder of the iconic Moti Mahal—prohibits the defendants from using the name in business operations until the suit’s final resolution.
Justice Mini Pushkarna handed down a sweeping order, temporarily barring the defendants and their associates from deploying the ‘Moti Mahal’ mark in any promotional or operational capacity. The prohibition extends to any affiliated channels, spanning marketing, sales, or even digital listings. According to the court, unauthorized usage constitutes a breach of the original registered trademark and the established reputation associated with it.
The dispute intensified after a failed mediation attempt and centers on Rupa Gujral’s claim to exclusive rights over the brand’s name and goodwill, even as her family had previously transferred their restaurant shares at Darya Ganj. The plaintiffs allege that the defendants, through their website and social media accounts, misleadingly present themselves as heirs to the Moti Mahal legacy, asserting a connection that dates back to 1947. According to the suit, this alleged misrepresentation unjustly capitalizes on the legacy of Kundan Lal Gujral, globally celebrated as the creator of tandoori chicken, butter chicken, and dal makhani.
Further, the plaintiffs assert that the defendants sought trademark registrations resembling the Moti Mahal mark, disregarding required permissions. They point to earlier High Court orders barring similar infringements on the Moti Mahal and Moti Mahal Delux brands.
The defendants have countered with an affidavit affirming the cessation of any such use, indicating that they no longer possess materials carrying the Moti Mahal name and have removed all listings from their digital platforms.
With arbitration proceedings on a related partnership agreement underway, this trademark battle underscores the intense pride and protectiveness surrounding the Moti Mahal name—a title synonymous with a culinary tradition cherished for generations.
