Radico Khaitan Scores Legal Win In ‘Kashmyr’ Brand Dispute

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has granted interim relief to Radico Khaitan in the ongoing trademark dispute with Piccadilly Agro Ltd over the use of the "KASHMYR" label for its vodka brand.

The court's order effectively sets aside a previous injunction, allowing the company to continue selling its premium "The Spirit of Kashmyr" vodka.

The dispute arose when Piccadily Agro Industries Limited filed a commercial suit in Karnal District Court seeking to restrain Radico from using the Kashmyr mark, claiming it was deceptively similar to its registered "Cashmere" trademark. On September 23, 2025, the District Court granted an interim injunction against Radico, temporarily halting the use of the mark.

The High Court's decision comes as a major boost for Radico Khaitan, which had contested an earlier district court order that temporarily restrained it from using the 'Kashmyr' mark. In its appeal, the company argued that the case was wrongly filed in Haryana, since Radico does not manufacture, sell, or hold an excise licence in the state.

Radico also highlighted that it had introduced its luxury vodka brand earlier in May 2025 in Uttar Pradesh, two days before Piccadily announced its "Cashmir Vodka" product on May 23, 2025., reinforcing its position as the first mover in the market. The company maintained that the rival brand's claims of prior use lacked evidence and that no actual consumer confusion had been demonstrated.

After reviewing the submissions, the High Court found substantial merit in Radico Khaitan's arguments regarding jurisdiction, lack of proof of sales by the plaintiff in Haryana, and questions around the claim of prior use. Acknowledging these issues, the court decided not to accept the opposing party's claims at face value, opting instead for a comprehensive legal examination of the matter.

The order allows Radico Khaitan to continue business operations under the 'Kashmyr' label, subject to maintaining transparent sales records until the next hearing on November 13, 2025.

What is the Trademark Dispute Between Radico Khaitan and Piccadilly?

The trademark dispute stems from a case filed by listed sugar mill and distillery Piccadilly Agro Industries Ltd, which had previously secured an injunction against Radico, alleged that the Kashmyr label could confuse consumers due to its similarity to Piccadilly's Cashmir/Cashmere trademarks. Radico maintained that its early launch, clear branding, and premium positioning distinguished its vodka in the market.

The High Court's interim relief marks a significant win for Radico Khaitan, reinforcing the company's commitment to expanding its luxury spirits portfolio and safeguarding its first-mover advantage in the vodka segment.