Delhi High Court Restrains Local Dhabas From Using Registered Trademarks Of Popular Murthal Eatery 'Mannat Dhaba'

The Delhi High Court has restrained various local dhabas from using the registered trademarks of popular Murthal based eatery “Mannat Dhaba.”

Justice Anish Dayal passed the ex-parte ad-interim injunction order against the three defendants running their restaurants under the names Mannat Dhaba, Shri Mannat Dhaba and Apna Mannat Dhaba.

The development ensued in a suit filed by Mannat Group of Hotels seeking protection of its registered trademarks, Mannat, Mannat Dhaba, Mannat Group, Mannat Resorts etc., from infringement.

As per the report of the Local Commissioner, one of the defendant eateries, Mannat Dhaba, had no justification for adopting and using Mannat Group's trademark and logo “MANNAT” and its owner was fully non-cooperative.

Another defendant, Shri Mannat Dhaba, was originally known as “DELIGHT AMBROSIA” but had been rebranded in May-June last year to compete with other similarly branded highway restaurants which opened up in the vicinity.

Defendant Apna Mannat Dhaba's owner informed the Local Commissioner that he had taken over the restaurant about 2-3 months back and retained “Mannat's” branding since it was popularly used by other Dhabas in the vicinity.

“In view of the said facts and circumstances, this Court is satisfied that the plaintiff has made out a prima facie case for grant of an ad-interim injunction (ex parte denfendant Nos.1, 3 and 4),” the court observed.

Justice Dayal also clarified that in light of the attempts by defendants to rebrand their restaurants, each of the defendants will be at liberty to approach Mannat Group's counsel to settle the issue, if so desired, offering rebrading of their Dhabas or any other method considered suitable.

Advocates Dushyant K. Mahant, Subhash Bhutoria and Aashima Kapoor appeared for Mannat Group.

Title: MANNAT GROUP OF HOTELS PRIVATE LIMITED & ANR. v. M/S MANNAT DHABA & ORS.

Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Del) 32

Click Here To Read Order