Food Manifest 
The Delhi High Court has issued an ex-parte ad interim injunction against Punjab-based food chain Donito’s, restraining it from using the trademark of Domino’s for selling pizzas and burgers. Justice Anish Dayal passed the order in favour of the Domino’s Pizza group of companies.
Background
The Punjab entity, which operates six outlets under the name Donito’s in regions such as Jalandhar, Nakodar, Goraya, and Mehatpur, faced a lawsuit. Domino’s discovered the use of infringing marks in April when it came across a YouTube video using “#DOMINOS” linked with “#DONITOS”.
Court’s Ruling
Domino’s argued that it holds the exclusive right to use and restrain the use of its registered trademarks, including “Domino’s” and “Domino’s Pizza,” in connection with its business. The court instructed Donito’s to remove all references to its device marks related to pizzas and burgers from its domain www.donito’s.in. Additionally, various social media platforms were directed to take down listings of Donito’s products.
This ruling underscores the importance of protecting intellectual property rights in the food industry and serves as a precedent for trademark disputes.
Industry Implications
The legal battle between Domino’s and Donito’s sheds light on broader industry dynamics. As the food and beverage sector continues to evolve, businesses not only navigate culinary trends but also grapple with legal intricacies. Trademark disputes can disrupt operations, tarnish reputations, and impact revenue. Therefore, proactive measures, such as robust trademark registrations and vigilant monitoring, are essential for safeguarding brand equity. This case serves as a wake-up call for all players in the food industry to prioritize intellectual property protection and uphold fair competition.
Bottom Line
In a significant legal development, the Delhi High Court has halted Punjab-based food chain Donito’s from using Domino’s trademark for selling pizzas and burgers. This ruling underscores the paramount importance of safeguarding intellectual property rights within the food industry. By restraining unauthorized use of its distinctive marks, Domino’s ensures consumer trust and maintains its market position. Moreover, businesses should take this precedent-setting decision as a stark reminder to respect established trademarks and conduct thorough due diligence before adopting their own brand identities.
