American fast-food chain Burger King has initiated legal action in India against Jaipur-based Burger Farm for purported trademark infringement, Live Mint has reported.
The case, filed in the Delhi High Court, revolves around allegations that Burger Farm’s logo bears a striking resemblance to that of Burger King’s.
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Despite the US company’s request for an injunction, the court, led by Justice Mini Pushkarna, has deferred the decision and recommended mediation for a potential resolution.
Burger King’s lawsuit contends that Burger Farm not only “copied its logo” but also sought to emulate its business model.
The American chain, which opened its first Indian restaurant in 2014 – the same year Burger Farm was established – has cited instances of customer confusion, including social media comments branding Burger Farm as a “cheap copy” of Burger King.
In response to the allegations, Burger Farm has expressed its willingness to alter its logo and seek a settlement, although it has also challenged the injunction, highlighting its presence across India with multiple outlets.
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By GlobalDataThe incident is another in a series of trademark disputes involving Burger King and Indian eateries over similar claims of infringement.
The outcomes of Burger King’s legal battles have been mixed, with a recent defeat for the US multinational in a 13-year-long trademark case with a Pune-based restaurant when the court ruled against it.
But in December 2023, the Delhi High Court acknowledged “Burger King” as a well-known trademark, ruling in favour of the company against an entity named “Burger King Family Restaurant”.
In August 2023, the Supreme Court of India, with Justice Sanjiv Khanna presiding, rejected a local restaurant’s plea, reinforcing Burger King’s trademark rights which date back to 1950.
Burger King, founded by James McLamore and David Edgerton, has a global presence with more than 13,000 outlets in 100 countries, including 400 in India.
The company has invested $960m in marketing and promotional efforts within the Indian market.
