2025 Supreme(Online)(Del) 46977

IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI
Novartis – Appellant
Versus
Novarise Gastro Bariatrics – Respondent
CS(COMM) 1388/2025

A trademark that is visually, phonetically, and structurally similar to a well-known mark, where differences are merely generic descriptors, constitutes infringement as it creates a likelihood of confusion for the average consumer.

Headnote:(A) Intellectual Property Rights - Trademark Infringement - Deceptive Similarity - Where the dominant part of the impugned mark is visually, phonetically, and structurally similar to a registered well-known trademark, and the additional terms used are merely generic descriptors, such use constitutes prima facie infringement. (Para 31, 32)

(B) Pre-institution Mediation - Commercial Courts Act - Exemption - Exemption from the mandatory requirement of pre-institution mediation under Section 12A is permissible where the suit contemplates urgent interim relief. (Para 2)

Issues: Whether the use of the mark 'NOVARISE' by the defendants infringes upon the plaintiff's well-known trademark 'NOVARTIS'.