ITC and Nestle can't claim monopoly over noodle brands: Madras HC

The order was issued in a dispute filed by ITC alleging that Nestle India has used the expression 'Magical Masala' for its instant noodles brand Maggi in 2013.

Ending a seven-year dispute between two FMCG majors over use of ‘Magic Masala’ and ‘Magical Masala’ as expressions to market their noodles brands, the Madras High Court said they are common English and Indian words and both the companies cannot claim monopoly over them as these words are laudatory and common to the trade.

The order was issued in a dispute filed by ITC alleging that Nestlé  India has used the expression ‘Magical Masala’ for its instant noodles brand Maggi in 2013. ITC had used the expression ‘Magic Masala’ with its noodles brand Sunfeast Yippee! in 2010.

Justice C Saravanan