Wipro obtains injunction against kerala soap maker

Bangalore Oct 11 (UNI) Wipro Limited has obtained an interim injunction against Oushadha Chandrika Ayurvedics India (P) Limited of Kerala against manufacturing to toilet soaps under the trademark 'Ourshadha Chandrika'.

Wipro Limited bought over trademark 'Chandrika' from Chandrika family in 2004 through its subsidiary Wipro Chandrika Limited. Wipro Chandrika Limited is the exclusive owner of the trademark 'Chandrika' and has acquired all rights in the said trademark along-with goodwill.

During July, 2007 it was found by Wipro's sale team that a party trading under the name and style of Oushadha Chandrika Ayurvedics India (P) Limited, Kerala has started to manufacture toilet soap under the trademark 'Oushadha Chandrika' the Company said in a release here today.

Wipro filed a suit for infringement before Chennai High Court and obtained order of interim injunction against the party. The High Court prohibited the party to manufacture and sell soaps under the trademark 'Chandrika', 'Oushadha Chandrika' or any deceptively similar mark or using any cartons of the colour scheme, get up similar to Chandrika, until further orders from the Court. The Chennai High Court also appointed an Advocate Commissioner to visit the premises of the party and to take inventory of all soaps and packaging material bearing the trademark 'Oushadha Chandrika' the releae added.

Armed with the order of the Chennai High Court, Advocate Commissioner visited the premises of Oushadha Chandrika Ayurvedics India (P) Limited yesterday and served copies of interim injunction order. Advocate Commissioner also took inventory of all the finished goods and packaging, wrappers and would submit its report as directed by the Court.

Similar notice was served on a wholesaler in Thrissur who was stocking and selling goods manufactured by the party under trademark Oushadha Chandrika.

Commenting on the action, Mr Anil Chugh, Senior Vice President- Sales and Marketing, said that Wipro valued its trademarks very high and any threat to our IPRs would be dealt strongly.

UNI