Delhi HC Restrains Rogue Websites From Infringing Trademark Of Reliance's 'YOUSTA' Fashion Brand, Orders Blocking Of Social Media Accounts

Justice Mini Pushkarna was considering Reliance Retail Ltd's (plaintiff) suit which alleged that the rogue defendants have established fake social media profiles including Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, WhatsApp accounts as well as fake email domains, which use its trademarks, branding, corporate identity and employee details to gain the trust of unsuspecting individuals and commit fraudulent activities.

Reliance Retail Ltd (plaintiff) submitted that it launched Yousta in August 2023 as a youth-centric fashion brand. It stated that the goodwill and reputation of the mark is demonstrated by its inaugural sales of around Rs. 114 crore.

Reliance stated that 'YOUSTA' mark has become associated with it and that any unauthorized use or infringement would be detrimental to its established reputation and goodwill.

It submitted that defendant no. 1 using the website 'youstafranchise.net' in collusion with other unknown perpetrators is misusing its 'YOUSTA' and 'Reliance Retail Limited' trademarks. It stated that defendant no. 1 is operating a fraudulent business through the creation of deceptive websites, fake offer letters, fabricated agreements, social media accounts/posts, YouTube videos, and WhatsApp accounts, all bearing its trademarks, trade name, company details, and employee information.

Reliance stated that it was informed by a victim of such fraud that an individual impersonated an employee of Reliance and dishonestly induced the victim to pay Rs. 2.65 lakh. It is stated that a fraudulent payment receipt was issued in confirmation of the transaction, however, the individuals became unreachable after receiving the amount.

Reliance stated that another victim was duped of Rs. 1.73 lakh, where forged documents containing Reliance's trademark stated that the victim's franchise application had been accepted. The victim was instructed to complete the registration process for the Yousta brand by making a payment to a bank account under name of Reliance Retail Limited. Reliance stated that it received similar complaints from other victims, where fake, forged, and fabricated documents, including a letter of intent and confirmation and payment letter were used.

It submitted that an average consumer is bound to be misled into believing that the rogue defendants are in some manner associated or affiliated with it.

Considering Reliance's submissions, the Court was of the view that a "prima facie" case for grant of ex-parte ad-interim injunction was made out. It stated that the balance of convenience lies with Reliance and that irreparable harm would be caused if an interim injunction is not granted.

The Court thus restrained the defendants, their owners, proprietors, partners, employees or agents from using Reliance's trademarks in any manner, till the next date of hearing.

It directed the "blocking/suspension" of social media accounts of defendants including Facebook, Linkedin and Whatsapp as well as their websites/domain names. It directed blocking access to the defendant's mobile numbers. It further directed the suspension of the defendant's bank accounts and disclose the identity, KYC documents and related details.

The Court also directed the Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations/Special Cell, Delhi Police (Cyber Cell) to investigate and identify the exact details of the rogue defendants.

Issuing notice to the defendants the court listed the matter on May 19.

Case title: RELIANCE RETAIL LTD VS. YOUSTAFRANCHISE.NET & ORS.

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Del) 209