Home / News / India News / Article /
Delhi Couture Week re-christened
Updated On: 20 July, 2010 07:40 AM IST | | Shashank Shekhar
The name of the official sponsor taken off for infringement of trademark
Last moment trademark infringement allegations led to a change in name and logo of the Couture week starting Tuesday. A day before the start of the gala event, the Delhi High Court on Monday restrained its organisers from using the word 'Pearl' during the event due to allegations of trademark infringement.
Representative pic
The organiser, Fashion Design Council of India and principal sponsor Pearls Infrastructure Projects Limited (PIPL), were restrained from using the word in relation to the six-day event starting Tuesday.
The order was passed by Justice S. Ravindra Bhat after a petition was filed by the the Little People Educational Society, the owners of the Pearl Academy of Fashion, alleging that the use of the word 'Pearl' by the organisers will amount to infringement of its trademark right. After the Delhi High Court stopped the organisers of the inaugural Delhi Couture Week from using the word "Pearl" - the name of their title sponsor - the organisers have changed the logo and are supporting it with a disclaimer.
The academy said that PIPL is engaged in infrastructure development and tourism and with no association with education, is now planning to start a fashion academy. "Such a development is likely to hurt its interests as it is known in the fashion industry for its quality of education and services," said the petition filed by the academy.
It argued that it is the proprietor of the registered trademark since 1993 and has been spending money towards brand promotion to the tune of Rs.9 crore. The academy also submitted before the court that it has been associated with a large number of fashion events throughout the world and such a step by PIPL would create confusion in the market and in the minds of the customers.
It also submitted a list of prominent celebrities whose clothes have been designed by the alumni of the academy.
The petition said that the academy had intimated the FDCI about its concerns but it did not take any action and entered into an agreement with PIPL to hold the week.
"In view of the material available on record, the court is satisfied prima facie that the plaintiff has a strong
| Rough weather |
| Nightmare struck veteran Delhi designer Tarun Tahiliani on Thursday night when the lavish sets he was creating for the upcoming Bridal Couture Exposition scheduled for July 22 at DLF Emporio Mall, were hurriedly dismantled. "A new set of rules put in place in lieu of the upcoming Commonwealth Games doesn't allow setting up outdoor structures. It's a security precaution, we were told later," Tahiliani told MiD DAY. How do you like the new new mid-day.com experience? Share your feedback and help us improve. Read Next Story Trending StoriesLatest Photos |
