In a significant victory for brand protection and intellectual property rights, the Delhi High Court has awarded ₹5 lakh in costs and damages to Veerji Malai Chaap Wale, a leading vegetarian food chain known for its signature soya chaap and tandoori delicacies. This judgment comes in response to a trademark infringement suit filed by the brand against several unauthorized eateries and food delivery outlets using deceptively similar names.

🔍 The Case at a Glance

The lawsuit was filed by Veerji Malai Chaap Wale after multiple eateries across Delhi-NCR were found operating under names deceptively similar to its registered trademark. These copycat brands not only attempted to ride on the goodwill built by the original chain but also confused customers with their misleading branding and packaging.

While one of the defendants opted for an out-of-court settlement, the remaining five failed to appear before the Court despite receiving notices—prompting the Hon’ble Justice Amit Bansal to proceed ex parte.

⚖️ The Court’s Ruling

Justice Bansal, in a strong and clear verdict, held that:

“The conduct of the defendants in continuing the infringement and avoiding court proceedings demonstrates mala fide intent. Such actions warrant deterrent measures.”

Accordingly, the Court ordered the defendants to:

• Cease and desist from using any name or mark deceptively similar to Veerji Malai Chaap Wale.

• Pay ₹5 lakh collectively as costs and damages for dilution of brand value and loss of business reputation.

🔒 Why Trademark Protection Matters

This case reaffirms the importance of securing and enforcing trademark rights in India. Veerji Malai Chaap Wale, with over 180+ outlets across 13 states, has become synonymous with quality vegetarian cuisine—particularly for its innovative chaap-based dishes that appeal to veg and non-veg lovers alike.

Allowing unauthorized vendors to misuse this goodwill not only impacts the original brand’s reputation but also misleads consumers.

🛡️ A Win for Originality and Hard Work

The brand’s journey, led by its visionary founders Mr. Gurpreet Singh and Mr. Arvinder Singh, started with a small dream and has grown into one of India’s most loved pure veg food chains. This judgment is a testament to their perseverance, commitment to quality, and the trust they’ve built with millions of customers nationwide.

✅ What This Means for Franchise and the F&B Industry

• Franchise Security: The verdict sends a strong message to would-be infringers that trademark violations come with serious financial consequences.

• Brand Value: For current and potential franchise owners of Veerji Malai Chaap Wale, this is a reassurance that the company is actively safeguarding its brand.

• Consumer Trust: For customers, this victory ensures they continue to receive authentic taste and quality—uncompromised by imitations.

Conclusion

This judgment by the Delhi High Court isn’t just a win for Veerji Malai Chaap Wale—it’s a win for every honest entrepreneur who invests in building a brand the right way. As the food and beverage industry grows, so does the need for ethical business practices and legal accountability.

Originality always deserves protection. And now, it has received justice.