The Delhi High Court has granted interim relief to Swedish automobile giant Volvo, restraining multiple Indian entities from manufacturing, marketing, and operating buses that imitate the company’s design and illegally use its trademark. The order came in a trademark infringement suit filed by Volvo against several Indian defendants who allegedly attempted to pass off counterfeit buses as genuine Volvo vehicles.
Background: Volvo Takes Legal Action Against Trademark Violations
The lawsuit, filed under the title Aktiebolaget Volvo & Ors v. Shri Ganesh Motor Body Repairs & Ors, was prompted by the unauthorized use of Volvo’s iconic grille design and registered trademark by several parties involved in the Indian bus manufacturing and transport sectors. Volvo claimed that such actions were not only misleading consumers but also damaging the company’s reputation and brand value, cultivated over a century.
The key defendants in the case include:
Shri Ganesh Motor Body Repairs (Udaipur), accused of fabricating buses with a design identical to Volvo’s.
Rishabh Bus Pvt. Ltd. (New Delhi), which purchased and operated the infringing buses under the Volvo name.
Shanti Travels (Bahraich), found to be using Volvo’s distinctive grille design on their buses.
Court’s Observations and Order
Justice Amit Bansal observed that the defendants’ actions clearly constituted trademark infringement and passing off, both under statutory and common law principles. He noted that the evidence showed intentional imitation of Volvo’s distinctive front grille and brand name to deceive consumers into believing they were traveling in or purchasing genuine Volvo buses.
One of the defendants reportedly admitted to manufacturing more than 100 buses using the copied grille design, further solidifying the case for infringement.
Interim Injunction Granted
The court found a prima facie case in Volvo’s favor and stated that the balance of convenience leaned towards the plaintiff. As a result, an interim injunction was granted, restraining all named defendants from:
Using the Volvo mark, logo, or grille design;
Manufacturing or operating buses imitating Volvo’s design;
Advertising or offering any such services under the misleading brand association.
The matter is next scheduled for hearing on October 9, 2025.
Legal Representation and Industry Impact
Volvo was represented by Advocate Vaishali Mittal, along with Siddhant Chamola and Saijal Arora, who successfully argued the case highlighting the serious risk of consumer deception and brand dilution.
This ruling is seen as a strong message against counterfeit branding in the Indian automobile and transportation industry. It reinforces judicial support for intellectual property rights and demonstrates the court’s willingness to crack down on deliberate attempts to exploit globally recognized trademarks.
Disclaimer:
This news article is a factual and original representation based on publicly available legal documents and verified news sources, primarily including Bar & Bench. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. All trademarks, including “Volvo,” are the property of their respective owners. Any mention herein is made under fair reporting standards.