Bombay High Court Grants Ad-Interim Relief To Reliance In 'JIO' Trademark Infringement Suit Against Cab Operators

The Bombay High Court on Tuesday granted an ad-interim injunction to Reliance Industries Limited, restraining the use of its registered 'JIO' trademark by parties offering taxi services under the domain name www.jiocabs.com.A bench of Justice Somasekhar Sundaresan observed that Reliance had made out a strong prima facie case and observed that continued use of a well-known brand could cause serious harm. It said "The continued usage of a well-known and protected brand name would indeed cause grave injury and considering the mending of ways by the Defendants, even the balance of convenience would be in favor of grant of the ad interim relief.”During the hearing, Reliance argued that it owns the JIO trademark and is registered across multiple classes. It claimed that the impugned use of the mark for taxi services amounted to trademark infringement. The domain [www.jiocabs.com} and associated promotional material allegedly featured names and logos that were allegedly identical or deceptively similar to Reliance's registered mark. The Court was informed that Reliance first adopted the JIO mark in 2016 and had secured registrations dating back to 2011 and 2012. The company submitted that its mark is well-known trademark and placed on record screenshots, WhatsApp chats and images to show active misuse of its branding. Evidence was also presented to show that the Defendants continued to hold the domain name despite modifying some content following receipt of legal notice.Counsel appearing for Reliance further argued that this conduct amounted to infringement under the Trade Marks Act, 1999 He submitted that interim protection was necessary to prevent further misuse and confusion in the market.The Court accepted these submissions and passed an order restraining the Defendants from using the JIO mark, the [www.jiocabs.com] domain name and any logos, labels or artwork identical or deceptively similar to Reliance's registered trademarks or copyrighted material. The matter is now listed for further hearing on November 28, 2025. The Defendants have been permitted to file their affidavit in reply within four weeks from the upload of the order.Case Name: Reliance Industries Limited v Asif Ahmed and OrsCase Number: COMMERCIAL IP SUIT (L) NO. 27370 OF 2025For Reliance: Advocate Vinod A. Bhagat instructed by. Arjun T. Bhagat & Co., Advocates for Applicant/PlaintiffClick Here To Read/Download Order

Bombay High Court Grants Ad-Interim Relief To Reliance In 'JIO' Trademark Infringement Suit Against Cab Operators

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