New Delhi: A war is brewing between two liquor companies over the use of Godfather trademark. Devans Modern Breweries has filed a case in Delhi High Court against Mumbai-based Cartel Bros, saying that it has dishonestly adopted and infringed its well-established Godfather trademark. In a recent hearing, Justice Tushar Rao Gedela passed an injunction, restraining Cartel from using the trademark till the case is heard on April 10. Simply put, a trademark is a sign, design, or word, that helps consumers recognise the quality or origin of a product, hence acting as a brand protector in the market. Devans is known for its flagship product Godfather, a beer brand launched in 1984, while Cartel Bros is a premium spirits player with its brand GlenJourneys. Devans had argued that its beer sold under the Godfather trademark enjoys significant reputation and goodwill, has multiple trademark registrations, thereby precluding Cartel Bros from manufacturing or selling whisky under the identical mark, legal sources told TOI. Efforts to contact Cartel Bros did not yield results.
