Wipro gets injunction against Oushada Chandrika

Wipro has secured an interim injunction from the Madras High Court against the Kerala-based Oushadha Chandrika Ayurvedics India, which was manufacturing toilet soaps under the trademark Oushadha Chandrika.

Wipro claims to have bought the trademark Chandrika from the Chandrika family in 2004 through its subsidiary Wipro Chandrika (WCL), which is the exclusive owner of the Chandrika trademark. "WCL has acquired all rights in the said trademark along with goodwill," a Wipro statement said.

Wipro claimed that in July 2007, one of its sales team had found that Oushadha Chandrika Ayurvedics was manufacturing toilet soaps and marketing them under the trademark Oushadha Chandrika. Following this, Wipro filed a suit of trademark infringement before the Madras High Court.

The interim injunction from the court restrains the party from manufacturing and selling soaps under the trademarks Chandrika, Oushadha Chandrika or any other deceptively similar mark until further orders from the court. 

The High Court also appointed an advocate commissioner to visit the premises of Oushadha Chandrika Ayurvedics India and take an inventory of all soap and packaging material bearing the trademark Oushadha Chandrika, according to Wipro's statement.

As directed by the court, the advocate commissioner visited the premises on October 10, and served copies of the interim injunction order. The advocate commissioner also took inventory of all finished goods, packaging and wrappers, and will submit its report as directed by the court.