Yahoo files TM lawsuit against Indian tea producer

Thursday, 27 February 2003

Sarda Trading Company, an Indian tea maker is the latest company to be taken to court in a growing international crusade in protecting brand franchises across the globe. The company tried to sell ‘Yahoo’ tea, only to alert the Web portal’s attention and Yahoo responded by filing a lawsuit against the company for trademark infringement. The Delhi High Court has now issued an interim injunction preventing the Mumbai-based company and its business partners from selling ‘Yahoo’ branded tea.
In the case, Yahoo’s legal advisor Pravin Anand claimed that Yahoo's trademark and name could justifiably be extended to other items such as books and clothing, and not only online services.
The company stated that it already has co-branding agreements in place with ice-cream maker Ben & Jerry's and retail chain 7-Eleven, which allows the Yahoo trademark to be used for confectionery products. In addition, Anand made reference to other previous legal triumphs, such as the prosecution of an Indian entrepreneur who was required to give up the ‘yahooindia’ domain name. The hearing continues.

Source: CNet News