AHMEDABAD, India – May 1, 2025 – In a landmark trademark dispute, the Gujarat High Court has ruled in favor of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), barring Ludhiana-based Jaipal Gaba and his firm, Mack Hosiery, from using the ‘Vimal’ trademark on their products. The court affirmed that the ‘Vimal’ trademark rights are exclusively owned by RIL.
This decision upholds an earlier order by a Commercial Court in Ahmedabad, which had restrained Gaba and Mack Hosiery from marketing products under the brand names ‘Vimal,’ ‘Vimal Jonney,’ and ‘Mack Vimal.’ The case stems from a trademark infringement lawsuit filed by RIL in 2021.
RIL claimed exclusive ownership of the ‘Vimal’ brand, a trademark actively used by the company since 1967 and registered under Class 24 (textile and textile goods). The company emphasized its extensive investment in building the brand’s reputation over the years, including endorsements by renowned film and cricket celebrities.
According to the complaint, Gaba and Mack Hosiery were selling apparel, including T-shirts, shirts, and ready-made garments, under the ‘Vimal’ name through online platforms. Furthermore, RIL alleged that Gaba’s products misleadingly associated the ‘Reliance’ name with ‘Vimal,’ thereby exacerbating the trademark infringement.
In defense, Gaba challenged the jurisdiction of the Ahmedabad court, arguing that his business operates out of Punjab and other states. He claimed separate ownership of the ‘Vimal’ brand under Class 25 (covering clothing, footwear, and headgear), citing a 1976 registration by Milap Hosiery, which was later assigned to him in 1986. Additionally, Gaba presented trademarks registered between 2016 and 2018, such as ‘Vmark,’ ‘Vimal Jonney,’ and ‘Mack Vimal,’ along with user records dating back to 1993.
After reviewing the arguments, the court noted that while RIL’s and Gaba’s trademarks fall under different classes, their products are often sold in the same retail spaces and are closely related. Considering RIL’s extensive use and nationwide recognition of the ‘Vimal’ trademark, the court determined that RIL is the senior user of the brand.
The court expressed concerns about potential consumer confusion due to the similarity of the trademarks, particularly given RIL’s prominent brand visibility versus Gaba’s more localized market presence. The ruling stated, “The plaintiff’s case for passing off under Section 135 read with Section 27(2) of the Trademarks Act is prima facie made out,” and concluded that the use of ‘Vimal,’ ‘Mack Vimal,’ and ‘Vimal Jonney’ by the defendant was misleading and infringed upon RIL’s goodwill.
The Gujarat High Court’s decision strengthens RIL’s ownership of the ‘Vimal’ trademark and reinforces its legal protections, marking a significant milestone in safeguarding the prestigious brand.
