Tue Dec 03 06:11:10 UTC 2024: ## Bombay High Court Halts Pune Eatery’s Use of “Burger King” Name
**Mumbai, December 3, 2024** – The Bombay High Court has issued an interim order preventing a Pune-based restaurant from using the name “Burger King,” pending a resolution of a trademark infringement lawsuit filed by the American fast-food chain.
The court’s decision, delivered on Monday, follows a lower court’s dismissal of Burger King Corporation’s 2011 lawsuit. The Pune eatery, owned by Anahita and Shapoor Irani, had argued it had been using the name since 1991-92, predating Burger King’s 2014 entry into the Indian market. However, Burger King countered that its trademark was registered in India since 1979.
The High Court noted the need to examine evidence from both parties regarding their market presence in India. Both Burger King and the Pune eatery have been ordered to preserve financial and tax records from the past ten years. Burger King’s lawyer argued that the Pune eatery’s use of the name caused significant harm to the brand’s goodwill and reputation, noting Burger King’s presence of over 400 outlets in India, including six in Pune.
The High Court will review all evidence before making a final decision. Until then, the Pune eatery is prohibited from using the “Burger King” brand name.
First Piper 