'KHADI' Is a Well-Known Mark: Delhi High Court Temporarily Injuncts Use Of 'KHADI VEDA' By Cosmetics Firm

The Court held that the use of the disputed mark prima facie infringed the registered and well-known 'KHADI' trademarks of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC).

Justice Tushar Rao Gedela passed the ex-parte ad-interim injunction order on January 13, 2026, observing that the continued use of the disputed mark would lead to consumer confusion and cause irreparable harm to KVIC.

KVIC told the Court that it is a statutory body established under the Khadi and Village Industries Commission Act, 1956 and has been using the “KHADI” mark since 1956. It stated that the mark is registered in multiple classes and has been declared a well-known trademark by the Delhi High Court, in addition to being recognised as such by the Trade Marks Registry.

KVIC also stated that it operates thousands of sales outlets across the country and maintains a strong online presence through its official websites and social media platforms.

According to KVIC, the rival mark “KHADI VEDA” was first noticed during a routine survey on social media in 2021. It claimed that the entities behind the mark were informed that the “KHADI” mark could not be used without authorization but no corrective steps were taken despite repeated assurances.

KVIC further alleged that cosmetic products bearing the “KHADI VEDA” mark were sold through dedicated websites and e-commerce platforms, with packaging that falsely suggested an association with KVIC.

After examining the material on record, the Court observed that the adoption of the “KHADI VEDA” mark prima facie appeared dishonest.

“The dishonesty is also palpable in view of the various replies to the cease-and-desist notices issued by the plaintiff, however, the same have not been complied with by the defendants, particularly, defendant no.4. Defendant no.4, being an affiliate and a beneficiary under the scheme of the Act, cannot be stated to be unaware of the plaintiff's trade mark KHADI,” the Court observed.

The Court noted that “KHADI” enjoys long-standing protection and held that allowing continued use of the disputed mark would confuse and mislead consumers.

Consequently, the Court restrained the entities from manufacturing, selling, marketing or advertising any goods or services under the “KHADI VEDA” mark or any similar name.

It also directed suspension of the domain names “khadivedaonline.com” and “khadiveda.in,” ordered disclosure of registrant details and directed the takedown of related social media pages and product listings from online marketplaces.

For Plaintiff: Advocates Shwetasree Majumder, Diva Arora Menon, Devyani Nath, Vani Sarin and Nidhi Pandey