JUDGMENT

R. BANUMATHI, J.

Leave granted.

2. This appeal arises out of the order dated 01.03.2017 passed by the High Court of Calcutta in AOPT No.349 of 2016 affirming the order of the Single Judge in and by which it was held that the respondent-defendant is entitled to use the word ‘MALABAR’ in conjunction with the mark ‘BAROMA’ for selling its product - Biryani Rice. By the impugned order, the Division Bench has also affirmed the findings of the Single Judge that subject to the outcome of the suit, the respondents can pursue their application for registration of their label.

3. Appellant-plaintiff claims to have been using the mark ‘MALABAR’ for selling Biryani Rice from 2001. The appellant filed the suit CS No.27 of 2012 for infringement and passing off special Biryani Rice under the mark “MALABAR GOLD” or other mark/trade name which is identical with and/or deceptively similar to the appellant’s trade mark ‘MALABAR’. On consideration of various features of the respondent’s then mark and other materials, the learned Single Judge vide order dated 02.07.2012 granted interim injunction observing that there was similarity between the two labels/marks and restrained the respondents/de