Looks like Mahindra could face challenges up ahead for the Yezdi bikes in India. The Karnataka High Court has restrained Classic Legends Pvt. Limited and its co-founder Boman Irani for using the ‘Yezdi’ trademark or anything else associated with the name Yezdi. Classic Legends is a subsidiary of Mahindra and re-launched the Jawa bikes earlier this year.
What is the trademark issue?
Ideal Jawa (India) Limited, founded by Mr. Irani’s father, Rustom S. Irani, was the original company manufacturing Yezdi bikes in India. The trademark were said to be owned by Rustom S. Irani.
After the death of Rustom Irani, as well as the non renewal of the trademark, Mr. Boman Irani acquired the Yezdi trademark back in 2013-15. The Classic Legends was registered in 2015.
In 1991, the Ideal Jawa went into liquidation and the count appointed Official Liquidator as the custodian of the company.
Direction of the Karnataka High Court
Now, after the petition by Ideal Jawa Employees’ Association and the Official Liquidator, the Karnataka High Court passed the order. Further, the court also stated that all trademark registration certificates issued by the Registrar of Trademarks, Mumbai, Delhi and Ahmedabad in favour of Classic Legends and co-founder Boman Irani will be null and void. The court highlighted the fact that as the company is under liquidation, despite the non-renewed trademarks, they still hold the trademarks.
The Karnataka High Court has also imposed a fine of Rs 10 lakh each on both parties. Apart from this, the Trademark Registration Authority has also been directed to transfer all such trademark registrations to Ideal Jawa.
20th Jawa Day Celebrations
Jawa-Yezdi Motorcycles celebrated the 20th Jawa Day on 10th July 2o22 in Bangalore. The main event hosted the Jawa Yezdi Kommuniti, alongside their prized Jawa and Yezdi models.
Also Read – 2022 Jawa 42 Bobber launched in India at INR 2,06,500.
