The iconic Yezdi motorcycle brand has finally received legal clarity. The Karnataka High Court has ruled that Classic Legends Pvt Ltd and its co-founder Boman R. Irani legally own the “Yezdi” trademark. The judgment ends years of uncertainty. It also overturns a 2022 ruling that had temporarily halted the company from using the brand.
Court Overturns Earlier Verdict
In 2022, a single-judge bench had held that Ideal Jawa (India) Ltd — the original manufacturer of Yezdi motorcycles — owned the trademark. The judge stated that the brand remained under the custody of the court because Ideal Jawa was under liquidation. That order cancelled the registrations obtained by Classic Legends and restricted the company from using the Yezdi name.
The new ruling takes a completely different view. The division bench declared that Ideal Jawa had abandoned the Yezdi trademark long ago. The company stopped manufacturing motorcycles in 1996. It entered liquidation in 2001. Its registered trademarks expired in 2007–2008. No renewal was filed. No effort was made to protect or revive the brand.
The court held that such prolonged inaction resulted in the trademark losing its legal protection. The judges noted that trademarks survive only when they are used, renewed, and defended. When a company ignores them for over a decade, the rights lapse permanently.
Why Classic Legends Won
The court recognised that Classic Legends took proactive steps to revive the Yezdi brand. Beginning in 2013, Boman Irani registered new Yezdi trademarks in his own name and later transferred them to Classic Legends. The company used the marks in branding, online presence, marketing, and manufacturing. It also defended the registrations in legal proceedings.
The judges agreed that these actions showed genuine intent to bring the brand back to life. They found that Classic Legends had followed legal procedures and secured registrations after the old ones had lapsed. The court ruled that these were valid registrations obtained in good faith.
The bench also stated that Ideal Jawa’s past glory could not grant it automatic rights. Nostalgia alone cannot revive a trademark. Only active use, market presence, and legal maintenance can protect a brand’s identity.
“Use It or Lose It”: A Clear Legal Message
The ruling sends a strong reminder: a trademark is not a permanent property. It requires continuous care. The court emphasised that trademarks depend on active use and timely renewal. When a company ignores a mark for many years, its goodwill disappears. Without goodwill, the mark loses its legal standing.
This principle shaped the entire verdict. The abandonment of the mark by Ideal Jawa created a legal vacuum. Classic Legends stepped into that vacuum by applying for new registrations, building a product lineup, and taking the brand forward.
What the Ruling Means for the Yezdi Brand
The decision removes all doubt surrounding the Yezdi name. Classic Legends can now invest confidently in expanding its operations. The ruling strengthens the company’s long-term plans and enables stable production and supply.
✔ Dealers and suppliers gain clarity
There is no longer a risk of trademark challenges disrupting sales, distribution, or service arrangements.
✔ Consumers get more certainty
Yezdi owners and enthusiasts can expect stronger support networks, reliable parts supply, and upgraded product lines.
✔ The brand gets a clean identity
The court’s decision ensures that the Yezdi name is free from legal entanglements. This provides a foundation for future launches and expansion.
Industry Impact
The ruling will influence how companies handle legacy brands in India. Many old trademarks lie dormant because companies failed to renew or protect them. The court’s message is clear: a legacy name cannot be claimed without proof of continuous use.
This may encourage companies to be more disciplined in maintaining their intellectual property. Brands with historical value will need to be actively protected. Liquidators and defunct companies may also rethink how they handle dormant trademarks in the future.
What Happens Next
Classic Legends is expected to accelerate its expansion plans. The company has already revived several heritage models. With legal barriers gone, it can introduce new motorcycles, strengthen dealership networks, and explore retro-inspired designs that appeal to modern riders.
The judgment also closes the door for Ideal Jawa’s liquidator, who hoped to treat the Yezdi brand as a saleable asset. Since the court recognised that the trademark was abandoned long ago, it cannot be auctioned or monetised.
Motorcycle fans can now expect a stronger, more stable Yezdi presence in the market. The ruling paves the way for more investment, better service infrastructure, and a long-term revival of the nostalgic name.
Conclusion
The Karnataka High Court’s verdict marks a turning point in the Yezdi story. By awarding trademark rights to Classic Legends and Boman Irani, the court affirmed that active use, not past association, determines ownership. The ruling gives Yezdi a legally secure future. It empowers the brand to grow without fear of disputes. For enthusiasts, it promises new chapters for one of India’s most cherished motorcycle names.