The Delhi High Court has issued an ex-parte ad interim injunction against the Punjab-based food chain Donito’s. This decision restrains Donito’s from using the trademark of the well-known pizza brand Domino’s for its business activities, including the sale of pizzas and burgers.
Court Orders Immediate Action
Justice Anish Dayal presided over the case and ruled in favour of the Domino’s Pizza group of companies. The court’s order mandates that Donito’s immediately cease the use of any trademarks resembling or identical to those of Domino’s, including those found on their website, www.donitos.in. Additionally, Justice Dayal directed that all device marks associated with pizzas and burgers be removed from Donito’s online presence.
In a broader scope of action, the court has also instructed various social media platforms to remove listings and posts that promote Donito’s products under the disputed trademark. This decision is aimed at preventing further infringement and protecting the brand integrity of Domino’s.
Domino’s Protects Its Brand
The case was initiated by Domino’s Pizza after discovering that Donito’s was using trademarks strikingly similar to its own. Domino’s argued that it holds exclusive rights to the use and protection of its registered trademarks, including “Domino’s” and “Domino’s Pizza.” The lawsuit detailed how the Punjab-based chain, operating six outlets in regions like Jalandhar, Nakodar, Goraya, and Mehatpur, was infringing on these rights.
The issue came to light in April when Domino’s found a YouTube video that used the hashtag “#DOMINOS” in conjunction with “#DONITOS,” prompting immediate legal action. The court’s swift response highlights the judiciary’s commitment to upholding intellectual property rights and preventing unauthorized use of established trademarks.