Delhi Court Bars Bengaluru Restaurant From Using 'Carnatic' Tag After Trademark Dispute

Delhi Court Stops Bengaluru Restaurant From Using 'Carnatic' Tag

Delhi’s Carnatic Café achieved a significant trademark victory by obtaining a court order to prevent Lemonpepper Hospitality in Bengaluru from using the term “Carnatic” in its branding.

Legal Decision

The order was issued by District Judge Neelam Singh at the Saket court in Delhi, favoring Carnatic Café, a well-known South Indian restaurant chain founded by Pavan Jambagi.

The court found that Lemonpepper Hospitality Pvt Ltd, which operates a restaurant in Bengaluru, had been infringing on the trademark by using the name “Carnatic” and running the website carnaticrestaurant.com, causing customer confusion.

Trademark Infringement

Carnatic Café has held the registered trademark “Carnatic Café” since 2012. The judge ruled that the Bengaluru outlet's use of a similar name constituted trademark infringement and passing off.

The judge stated the Bengaluru company failed to file a defense despite multiple chances, resulting in an ex parte order under India’s Civil Procedure Code.

Court Injunction and Compensation

The order permanently restrains Lemonpepper Hospitality and its associates—including partners, agents, and franchisees—from using the “Carnatic” name in any form.

Additionally, the court awarded ₹50,000 as damages and ₹10,000 towards legal costs to Carnatic Café.

Author's summary: Delhi’s Carnatic Café secured a permanent court order protecting its trademark by stopping a Bengaluru restaurant from using “Carnatic”, highlighting the importance of brand identity enforcement.

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News18 News18 — 2025-11-08

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