Dabur alleges US firm of infringing on its trademark

FMCG major Dabur has alleged that US-based firm Aveda, which manufactures and sells Ayurvedic cosmetic products, is infringing on the trademark of its skincare range.

In its petition before the Delhi High Court, Dabur alleged that the US-based firm is infringing on the trademark of its skincare range Uveda, which is also based on the Ayurveda therapy.

During the proceedings, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi alleged that Aveda, which has launched its product in India, is trying to ride on the popularity of its range and sought an injunction from the court against the US-based firm.

After hearing the arguments, Justice S N Dhingra reserved his order on Dabur's plea.

Opposed Dabur's plea, Aveda raised doubts over the FMCG major's claim over registration of Uveda as trademark.

"The word Aveda is derived from Ayurveda and nobody can claim monopoly over the use of the word. Even if it (Dabur) has registration, it cannot take such ancient names as its personal property," said Aveda's counsel.

He also refuted Dabur's allegations that its customers would be confused due to phonetic similarity in the names.

"There is no similarity between Dabur's and Aveda's products...There would be no confusion as marks on the packets are different. There is a great difference in prices also," the counsel said.