The Supreme Court of India has issued a stay on the Bombay High Court's order dated October 10, 2025, in a trademark licensing dispute between Kirloskar Proprietary Limited and Kirloskar Brothers Limited . This legal battle centers around restrictions on licensing the Kirloskar trademark to group companies for similar business activities.

Key Developments in the Case

Supreme Court's Stance

The Supreme Court found the expansion of restraint by the Bombay High Court inappropriate while the appeal remains pending. This decision effectively puts a hold on the restrictions imposed by the High Court's October 2025 order.

Next Steps

The Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing for November 4, 2025. This hearing is expected to provide further clarity on the trademark licensing dispute within the Kirloskar group.

Financial Implications

Kirloskar Brothers Limited has stated that the financial implications of this ongoing litigation cannot be determined at this time. This uncertainty highlights the potential impact of the case on the company's operations and future strategic decisions.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court's intervention in this trademark dispute underscores the complexity of intellectual property rights within large business groups. As the case progresses, it may set important precedents for trademark licensing practices in India, particularly within family-owned business conglomerates.

In a significant development for Kirloskar Brothers Limited (KBL), the Supreme Court of India has intervened in an ongoing trademark dispute within the Kirloskar group. The apex court has stayed a recent order by the Bombay High Court that had imposed restrictions on the licensing of the Kirloskar trademark.

Key Developments

• Supreme Court Stay: The Supreme Court has stayed the Bombay High Court's order dated October 10, which had modified an earlier ruling from July 25.
• Petitioner: The special leave petition was filed by Kirloskar Proprietary Limited against Kirloskar Brothers Limited.
• Dispute Focus: The core of the dispute revolves around trademark licensing rights for the Kirloskar mark.

Details of the High Court Order

The Bombay High Court's October 10 order had expanded restrictions on the Kirloskar trademark:

Supreme Court's Reasoning

The Supreme Court found that expanding the restraint scope while an appeal was pending was inappropriate. This decision underscores the importance of maintaining the status quo during ongoing legal proceedings.

Next Steps

• The matter is scheduled for hearing on November 4.
• Kirloskar Brothers Limited has stated that the financial implications of this litigation cannot be determined at this time.

This stay order by the Supreme Court provides temporary relief to Kirloskar Brothers Limited, allowing them to continue their operations without the additional restrictions imposed by the Bombay High Court's October 10 order. However, the final outcome of this trademark dispute remains to be seen, pending further legal proceedings.

The case highlights the complexities surrounding trademark rights within large business groups and the potential impact on their operations and brand value. As the legal battle continues, it will be crucial to monitor how this dispute might influence the broader landscape of trademark licensing and usage within corporate groups in India.