Footwear major Bata today dragged its rival Relaxo Footwear before the Delhi High Court alleging infringement of one of its popular brand 'Sparx'.
Admitting the petition, a single member bench of Justice Manmohan Singh issued notices to Relaxo Footwear and directed it to file its reply.
Bata, which owns 'Sparx' trademark for its footwear products alleged that Relaxo was using identical mark for its products.
Bata further submitted that in October, 2009 Relaxo published advertisements in some dailies launching a new range of sport shoe under 'Sparx' trademark.
Later, Bata enquired from the trademark authorities and learnt that Relaxo had applied for registration of 'Sparx' brand with an identical mark.
"Relaxo has falsely claimed use of 'Sparx' trademark since April 2002," said Bata in its petition, alleging that it was already selling shoes under 'Sparx' mark in 26 countries including USA, Malaysia, Thailand, Canada, China, Mexico.
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In India, they have already registered their 'Sparx' trademark in November 1978.
"While adopting the impugned mark (Sparx), Relaxo Footwear deliberately, purposely and wilfully went for identical mark of a known company with brazen disregard of violation of trademark," said Bata.
The court has listed the matter on December 16 for next hearing.