Kerala High Court Grants Interim Protection To 'Bokashi Bucket' Mark, Bars Sale Of Identical Compost Bins
The Kerala High Court has put a temporary restraint on a Kozhikode-based business from making or selling compost bins using the name “Bokashi Bucket,” after finding that the term is a registered trademark owned by Global Pharmaceuticals. A single bench of Justice S Manu passed the order on November 18, 2025, overturning a Additional District Court order refusing to grant protection to...
The Kerala High Court has put a temporary restraint on a Kozhikode-based business from making or selling compost bins using the name “Bokashi Bucket,” after finding that the term is a registered trademark owned by Global Pharmaceuticals.
A single bench of Justice S Manu passed the order on November 18, 2025, overturning a Additional District Court order refusing to grant protection to the company.
Global Pharma told the court that “Bokashi Bucket” is both its registered trademark and part of a registered design for its compost bin , a product it describes as an innovative waste-management solution that turns kitchen waste into manure.
The company said the Kozhikode manufacturer copied its bin's overall design and look, and even used the same name-"Bokashi Bucket", confusing customers into thinking both products came from the same source.
The Kozhikode manufacturer denied this, arguing that “bokashi bucket” is a generic, commonly used term in the composting community since 2013 and claimed it sells its bins under the brand “Maria.” It also pointed out that Global Pharma's trademark is under challenge in ongoing proceedings.
The High Court rejected these arguments, observing that the trademark registration remains valid because no decision has been taken yet on the challenge. It also noted that both companies make identical products and that the Kozhikode firm had admittedly used the term “Bokashi Bucket.”
Since the registered mark and the goods were identical, the Court held that the case fell within Section 29(2)(c) of the Trade Marks Act, which mandates a presumption of consumer confusion.
Referring to the Supreme Court's ruling in Renaissance Hotel Holdings Inc. v. B. Vijaya Sai, the court said, “It is thus clear that when it is proved that the defendant is improperly using the trade mark of the plaintiff, an order of injunction would be issued. In the case at hand, the respondent is admittedly using the term 'BOKASHI BUCKET' which is registered as its trade mark by the appellant. Hence, I am of the view that the appellant is entitled for temporary injunction.”
Accordingly, the High Court set aside the District Court's order and restrained the Kozhikode-based manufacturer, its agents and anyone acting under it from manufacturing, selling or promoting compost bins using the “Bokashi Bucket” trademark until the disposal of the suit.
Case Title: Rajeev KP v Unais KK
Case Number: FAO NO. 118 OF 2025
For the Appellant: Advocates P Martin Jose, K.M. Jamaludheen, P. Prijith, Thomas P. Kuruvilla,R. Githesh, Ajay Ben Jose, Manjunath Menon, Sachin Jacob Ambat, Anna Linda Eden,Harikrishnan S., Anavadya Sanil Kumar, Anjali Krishna and Senior Advocate S Sreekumar
For the Respondent: Advocates K Mohammed Rafeeq, P P Abdul Sageer, Bibin Mathew, PM Mathew, Amarnath R Lal, Sanaldev E P, Vishnumaya Anandan, Sonymon Antony, Shifana M., Fida P, Abhijith P A
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