Bombay High Court Restores Ban on Cognizant’s Logo Use in India

The Bombay High Court has reinstated an injunction that bars Cognizant Technology Solutions from using its logo in India. The decision, issued on 26 August 2025, marks a setback for the U.S.-based IT services giant as it battles an ongoing trademark dispute with Atyati Technologies Pvt. Ltd.

Division Bench Overturns Earlier Relief

A division bench led by Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep V. Marne revived a March 2024 interim injunction that had originally restrained Cognizant from displaying or using the contested logo. The bench set aside a June 2024 single-judge order which had temporarily allowed Cognizant to continue using its brand mark while the case was pending.

With the latest ruling, Cognizant must immediately stop using its logo across operations in India until the trademark infringement lawsuit reaches final resolution.

Background of the Dispute

The dispute began when Atyati Technologies, a Bengaluru-based technology solutions provider, alleged that Cognizant’s logo closely resembled its registered device mark. Atyati argued that the similarity could mislead customers and erode its brand identity.

On 19 March 2024, a single-judge bench of the Bombay High Court granted an ex-parte injunction in Atyati’s favour, stopping Cognizant from using the disputed design. However, in June 2024, the same bench withdrew the order after finding that Atyati had not disclosed certain material facts. As a result, Cognizant was allowed to resume using its logo.

The 13 June 2024 order further granted Cognizant interim relief, permitting continued use of the logo during litigation. This relief has now been nullified by the division bench.

Cognizant’s Response

In a statement following the ruling, Cognizant said it would review the court’s order and explore all available legal remedies. The company emphasized its commitment to protecting its brand reputation while ensuring compliance with Indian laws.

What Lies Ahead

The case highlights the increasing importance of trademark protection in India’s IT sector, where global corporations and domestic companies frequently clash over brand identity and intellectual property. The ban could force Cognizant to temporarily rebrand its operations in India, one of its largest markets outside the United States.

The matter will now proceed to a full hearing, where the court will decide whether Cognizant’s logo indeed infringes on Atyati’s registered mark. Until then, the restored injunction will remain in effect.

Delhi High Court Rules Common Words Cannot Be Monopolised in Yatra Trademark Dispute

The Delhi High Court has ruled that businesses cannot monopolise everyday words as trademarks. The decision came in a trademark dispute between Yatra Online Limited and Mach Conferences and Events Limited, the company behind the brand BookMyYatra.

Justice Tejas Karia dismissed Yatra’s plea to stop BookMyYatra from using the term. The court observed that “Yatra”, a Hindi word meaning travel, is generic and descriptive in the travel industry. Therefore, it cannot be granted exclusive protection as a trademark.

Court’s Reasoning

The court pointed out that Yatra Online had registered trademarks such as “Yatra with device” and “Yatra Freight.” However, these registrations carried explicit disclaimers stating that no exclusive rights were claimed over the standalone word “Yatra.”

Because of these disclaimers, the court ruled that Yatra Online could not expand its rights to claim monopoly over the word. The judgment reaffirmed that generic or descriptive words do not indicate the origin of goods or services, and thus lack distinctiveness.

Wider Legal Context

This ruling is consistent with earlier judgments. In 2023, the Delhi High Court held that words of common English usage cannot be registered as trademarks under the Trade Marks Act, 1999. The law prevents the registration of marks that are descriptive or devoid of distinctive character.

Legal experts note that only terms that gain secondary meaning through long and exclusive use can qualify for trademark protection. Descriptive and generic words, on the other hand, remain free for all businesses to use.

Industry Impact

The ruling is a significant reminder for businesses in travel and other industries. Companies are encouraged to adopt distinctive brand names instead of relying on common words. Using descriptive terms may create recognition, but they cannot guarantee exclusivity.