In a major relief to computer firm Intel Corporation seeking to protect its brand 'Pentium' from being robbed, the Delhi high court has restrained a local garment manufacturer and its marketing arm from using it to promote their products.
Holding that the US multinational has prima facie made out a good case for grant of an ad interim ex-parte injunction, Justice C K Mahajan restrained Delhi-based manufacturer Aditi Enterprises and its marketing arm V R Enterprises from using the trade mark 'Pentium' in any form to sell their products.
The court also appointed a local commissioner to raid the premises of the proprietors in Gandhi Nagar market in East Delhi, known for manufacturing and selling the duplicate products of branded company, who according to Intel's counsel Man Mohan Singh seized huge quantity of shirts and other garments bearing the brand 'Pentium'.
The computer major had contended that besides being known as technology company it has been involved in the business of promoting technology related souvenirs, clothing, T-shirts, key chains, computer bags, jackets and other fashionable goods bearing the marks 'Intel' and 'Pentium'.
Singh said use of the mark 'Pentium' by garment firm to sell readymade shirt was illegal as it amount to infringement of registered trade mark. The local firm adopted the popular brand to pass of its goods as that of Intel, he alleged.
Accepting the arguments, the court said: "If the local manufacturers are permitted to use the name 'Pentium' as their trading style, Intel Corporation will suffer irreparable loss and injury which cannot be compensated in terms of money."