intellectual property rights

Delhi High Court Denies Interim Relief to Wow Momo in Trademark Battle Against Wow Burger

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The Delhi High Court has refused to grant an interim injunction to Wow Momo Foods in its trademark infringement suit against Wow Burger. The Court held that the word “WOW” is a common expression and cannot be monopolized by one company without clear evidence of distinctiveness.

The Dispute

Wow Momo, one of India’s fastest-growing quick service restaurant (QSR) chains, approached the Court seeking to restrain Wow Burger from using the mark “WOW.” The company argued that the use of “WOW BURGER” could mislead customers into believing a connection with its popular brands such as Wow! Momo and Wow! China.

The plaintiff stressed that “WOW” formed the core of its identity and had become synonymous with its food offerings across India.

The Court’s Findings

Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora ruled against granting interim relief. The Court observed that:

  • “WOW” is a dictionary word. It is often used in common speech and in the food industry as a laudatory term.
  • Wow Momo’s trademarks are composite marks such as “WOW! MOMO” and “WOW! CHINA,” and the company does not hold exclusive rights over “WOW” alone.
  • The plaintiff itself had admitted in earlier filings that “WOW” lacked inherent distinctiveness when used alone.
  • Evidence suggested that “WOW BURGER” was not used as a standalone brand by Wow Momo, but only as a menu item that has not been in active use since 2018.

The Court concluded that Wow Momo failed to prove that “WOW” had acquired a secondary meaning uniquely associated with its business.

No Deceptive Similarity

The judgment emphasized that trademarks must be compared as a whole. The Court found no deceptive similarity between “WOW! MOMO” and “WOW BURGER.” It also noted the presence of several other businesses in the food and hospitality sector using “WOW” in their names.

Balance of Convenience

On the issue of irreparable harm, the Court ruled that Wow Momo had not shown sufficient evidence of injury. The balance of convenience, it said, did not justify blocking Wow Burger from operating under its chosen name.

What This Means for Brands

The ruling is a reminder that generic or laudatory terms like “WOW,” “SUPER,” or “BEST” are difficult to protect as trademarks unless they have acquired distinct recognition. Businesses relying on such terms need to establish strong brand identity and evidence of consumer association.

This decision does not end the case. The full trial will determine whether Wow Momo can prove stronger rights over the use of “WOW” in the future.

Related Reading

Delhi High Court Grants Interim Relief to Castrol Over ‘3X’ Mark on Engine Oil Packaging

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The Delhi High Court has granted interim relief to Castrol Limited in a trademark dispute concerning its ‘3X PROTECTION’ mark used on engine oil packaging. The ruling shields the company from alleged groundless threats and ensures business continuity until the next hearing.

Court Proceedings

A single judge delivered the order on September 4, 2025, after hearing Castrol’s plea. The lubricant manufacturer complained that the Nashik police, allegedly influenced by the defendant, Sanjay Sonavane, had seized its products bearing the ‘3X’ mark from an authorized distributor.

Castrol argued that the action was unwarranted and based on a false claim of similarity between its ‘3X’ marks and Sonavane’s registered ‘3P’ marks in Class 4, which cover oils, lubricants, and greases.

Court’s Findings

The High Court observed that the only common element between the two sets of marks was the numeral “3.” It held that exclusive rights cannot be claimed over a single digit, particularly when the overall trade dress, wording, and design were distinct.

The Court concluded that Castrol had made out a prima facie case of harassment through unjustified threats. It also ruled that such actions could not be allowed to disrupt legitimate business operations.

Interim Relief Granted

Accordingly, the Court restrained Sanjay Sonavane from issuing or pursuing groundless threats of trademark or copyright infringement against Castrol. The interim protection will continue until the next date of hearing, scheduled for December 9, 2025.

Broader Implications

This ruling reinforces the principle that numerical elements alone do not establish trademark exclusivity. It also highlights judicial support for companies facing misuse of enforcement mechanisms in intellectual property disputes.

Earlier this year, in February 2025, the Delhi High Court had awarded Castrol ₹20 lakh in damages and issued a permanent injunction in another case involving its ‘ACTIV’ and ‘ACTIBOND’ marks. The latest relief further strengthens the company’s position in protecting its distinctive branding and trade dress.

First Solar Accuses Waaree of Infringing TOPCon Patents

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The solar industry faces another patent clash. U.S. solar giant First Solar has accused Waaree Energies, India’s biggest module exporter, of infringing patents linked to TOPCon technology.

The American firm issued a warning letter to Waaree. It claims that Waaree’s TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) solar cells violate two of its U.S. patents. First Solar asked Waaree to stop production or obtain a license. If not, it may file a lawsuit in the United States.

Why TOPCon is Critical

TOPCon is the fastest-growing solar cell technology. It reduces power loss and increases panel efficiency. Many manufacturers, including LONGi, JinkoSolar, and Trina, are scaling production.

First Solar entered the high-efficiency segment in 2013 after acquiring TetraSun. That deal gave it a strong patent base. The company is now using those rights to challenge rivals.

Waaree’s Stakes

Waaree has export orders worth about ₹30,000 crore. A majority of these shipments are headed for the U.S. Any restriction could hurt deliveries and margins.

The company also faces a separate case. In February 2025, JinkoSolar filed a lawsuit in Texas. The case alleges Waaree copied its n-type TOPCon design, protected under U.S. Patent No. 11,824,136 B2.

Industry-Wide Disputes

Patent fights around TOPCon are spreading fast. First Solar has already sued JinkoSolar in Delaware over a different patent.

Other players, such as Canadian Solar and LONGi, have also been drawn into disputes. Analysts say the trend shows how critical intellectual property has become for solar growth.

What’s Next

Waaree has not issued an official response to First Solar’s claims. Industry watchers expect talks on licensing before a court battle begins.

The outcome could reshape how Indian firms compete in the U.S. solar market. It may also decide how patents influence the next wave of renewable energy expansion.

Trina Solar Leads Global Perovskite Solar Cell Patent Rankings

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Trina Solar, a global leader in photovoltaic (PV) technology, has emerged at the forefront of perovskite solar cell innovation, boasting a significant portfolio of patents in this cutting-edge field.  The company’s extensive research and development efforts have positioned it as a key player in advancing perovskite-based solar technologies.

Pioneering Perovskite Innovations

Since initiating research into perovskite and crystalline silicon tandem cell technology in 2014, Trina Solar has accumulated a substantial number of technological innovations.  These advancements underscore the company’s commitment to enhancing solar cell efficiency and performance through novel materials and structures. 

Robust Patent Portfolio

Trina Solar’s dedication to innovation is reflected in its impressive patent holdings.  The company has applied for over 5,000 patents worldwide, with more than 3,000 granted, including over 500 patents specifically related to TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) cells and modules.   This extensive patent portfolio not only safeguards Trina’s technological advancements but also reinforces its leadership in the solar industry.

Strategic Legal Actions

To protect its intellectual property, Trina Solar has actively pursued legal measures against entities infringing upon its patented technologies. A lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court of Delaware and a complaint with the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) against Canadian Solar, Inc., alleging infringement of its TOPCon technology patents.   These actions underscore Trina’s commitment to defending its innovations and maintaining fair competition in the industry.

Global Impact and Future Outlook

Trina Solar’s advancements in perovskite solar cell technology have significant implications for the global renewable energy landscape.  By pushing the boundaries of solar cell efficiency and performance, the company contributes to the broader adoption of clean energy solutions worldwide.  As the demand for high-efficiency solar technologies continues to grow, Trina Solar’s pioneering work in perovskite solar cells positions it to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of sustainable energy.

*For more information on Trina Solar’s innovations and patent portfolio, visit www.trinasolar.com.*

IIIT-Bangalore Hosts Patent Workshop to Boost Academic Innovation

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In a significant move to strengthen the intellectual property (IP) landscape within Karnataka’s academic institutions, the International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT-B) organized a one-day workshop titled “Patent Proficiency for Academic Innovators.”  The event, held under the New Age Innovation Network (NAIN) 2.0 program, aimed to equip students, faculty, and innovators with practical knowledge on innovation. 

Empowering Academic Innovators

The workshop was conducted in collaboration with Startup Karnataka and the Department of IT, BT, Government of Karnataka.  Distinguished speakers included Nithin Chakki, KAS, General Manager of the Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS); Cmd. Sridhar, Registrar of IIIT-B; Prakash Balekundri, CEO of Unique Patent Solutions.  They emphasized the critical role of intellectual property rights (IPR) in translating academic research into market-ready solutions. 

The sessions provided attendees with insights into identifying patentable ideas, navigating the patent filing process, and enhancing the quality of patent applications.  Real-world case studies and expert guidance were integral to the workshop, offering participants a comprehensive understanding of the journey from research ideation to securing intellectual property. 

Extending Reach to Tier-2 Institutions

As an anchor institute for the NAIN 2.0 program, IIIT-B extended the workshop’s benefits to several affiliated institutions, including Jain (Deemed-to-be University), Bapuji Institute of Engineering & Technology in Davangere, Malnad College of Engineering, Mangalore Institute of Technology and Engineering, and St. Philomena College in Puttur.  This initiative reflects a growing commitment among Tier-2 city institutions to build robust IPR ecosystems and contribute to the state’s innovation goals. 

Fostering a Culture of Innovation

Dr. Lakshmi Jagannathan stressed the importance of guiding these innovators in protecting their work, commercializing it, and contributing meaningfully to the economy.  The workshop also focused on strengthening the capabilities of Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs) within institutions, emphasizing their role in bridging the gap between innovative ideas and IP protection. 

About IIIT-Bangalore and Its Innovation Centre

The IIIT-B Innovation Centre serves as a dynamic hub for fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and cutting-edge research.  As a not-for-profit Section 8 company hosted by IIIT-Bangalore, the centre offers state-of-the-art incubation facilities, advanced labs, and access to expert mentorship.  It supports projects across various domains, including artificial intelligence, data science, Internet of Things (IoT), and digital health.  Having supported over 100 startups, the centre plays a pivotal role in nurturing emerging talent and driving technological advancements, positioning itself as a key enabler of innovation and collaboration in India’s tech ecosystem. 

IIIT-Bangalore, Situated in the heart of Electronic City, Bangalore, it holds a prominent position in the academic landscape and is graded A+ by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). 

The successful execution of the “Patent Proficiency for Academic Innovators” workshop marks a significant step forward in Karnataka’s vision to cultivate a knowledge-led innovation economy, ensuring that academic discoveries translate into impactful, real-world solutions.