Sun Jun 01 21:29:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has upheld an FIR against Procter & Gamble (P&G) concerning allegations of cheating. The case stems from a complaint by Indian innovator Rajiv Rai Sachdev, who claims P&G commercially exploited his patented method of dyeing textiles using neem and holy basil extracts, shared under P&G’s “Connect + Develop Programme.” Sachdev alleges P&G launched a product (Whisper Ultra Clean) using his technology after expressing initial disinterest in a partnership. P&G denies the allegations, arguing its process is different and that one cannot monopolize the use of neem. The High Court ruled that the allegations, if true, constitute cheating and warrant investigation, rejecting P&G’s plea to quash the FIR.
**News Article:**
**Himachal Pradesh High Court Refuses to Quash FIR Against P&G Over Alleged Patent Theft**
**Shimla, June 2, 2025** – The Himachal Pradesh High Court has rejected Procter & Gamble’s (P&G) petition to quash a First Information Report (FIR) filed against them over allegations of cheating and exploiting a patented idea. The case was brought forward by Indian innovator Rajiv Rai Sachdev, who claims that P&G misappropriated his patented method of dyeing textiles using extracts from neem and holy basil.
Sachdev alleges he shared his innovative technology with P&G through their “Connect + Develop Programme.” He claims that despite P&G initially showing disinterest in a formal partnership, the company later launched its Whisper Ultra Clean (with herbal oil) product, which he believes uses his patented process.
P&G denies the allegations, stating that their product’s manufacturing process differs significantly from Sachdev’s patented method. The company also argues that the use of neem, a plant used for thousands of years, cannot be monopolized.
The High Court, however, sided with the initial trial court order to register the FIR and found that if the allegations are proven to be true, they constitute a case of cheating. The court further clarified that while remedies are available under the Patent Act, this does not preclude criminal proceedings in cases alleging fraudulent inducement and misappropriation.
“The allegations in the FIR, if believed to be correct, prima facie show the offence of cheating, and it is impermissible to quash the same,” the High Court stated in its May 28 judgment. The case will now proceed to investigation.
First Piper 