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.

Kirloskar Brothers Limited (KBL) recently announced a significant development in its ongoing legal proceedings. The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) has dismissed the company's appeal against an interim order dated October 5, 2023, as infructuous. This dismissal comes in the wake of the main Company Petition No. 193/2017 being finally decided on May 21, 2024.

Key Details of the Dismissal

• Date of Dismissal: September 19, 2025
• Reason for Dismissal: The main petition had already been decided, making the appeal against the interim order redundant
• Appellants: Kirloskar Brothers Limited and its Managing Director, Sanjay Kirloskar
• Original Order: Interim order passed by NCLT on October 5, 2023

Impact on Business Operations

KBL has stated that it does not anticipate any material impact on its business operations from this development. The company has committed to keeping the exchanges informed of any material developments related to this matter.

Additional Corporate Updates

In addition to the NCLAT appeal dismissal, KBL has also reported other significant corporate actions:

Change in Senior Management

• Mr. Supriyo Bhowmik, Vice President & Head of Engineered Service Division & Customer Support & Services, has resigned due to personal reasons.
• Effective Date: October 14, 2025 (close of business hours)

Compliance Certificate

• KBL has submitted a Compliance Certificate under Regulation 74(5) of the SEBI (Depositories and Participants) Regulations, 2018 for the quarter ended September 30, 2025.
• The certificate confirms that securities received for dematerialization have been processed and listed on the relevant stock exchanges.

These developments underscore Kirloskar Brothers' commitment to transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. While the legal matter has reached a conclusion, the company continues to manage its operations and corporate governance effectively.

Investors and stakeholders are advised to monitor any further announcements from the company regarding these matters.