Classic Legends Restricted From Using Yezdi Name: Karnataka HC

• As per the latest ruling of Karnataka HC, Classic Legends is restricted from using the Yezdi brand name.
• The Mahindra & Mahindra backed two-wheeler manufacturer is likely to make a re-appeal in court.
• The already registered trademarks are declared null and void.

The Yezdi brand has been quite popular in the Indian two-wheeler market and still enjoys a stronghold amongst motorcycling enthusiasts. The brand name was originally owned by Ideal Jawa (India) Limited and was later discontinued in the year 1996. The legendary two-wheeler moniker was revived in the year 2018 as a part of the Classic Legends group which is owned by Mahindra & Mahindra and Boman Irani of Rustomjee Group is one of its directors. In a recent ruling by Karnataka High Court, Classic Legends has been restricted from using the 'Yezdi' name. What is this court order all about? Let's find out.

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Classic Legends Restricted From Using Yezdi Name: Background

Before discussing the recent ruling of the Karnataka High Court, it is important to understand the background of 'Yezdi'. As mentioned earlier, Yezdi was owned by Ideal Jawa (India) Limited and it was dissolved in 1996, thus resulting in its liquidation. The process is still ongoing and as per the rules, the ownership of all assets still lies in the Official Liquidator's custody including the name trademark. However, Boman Irani got the rights to the 'Yezdi' trademark registered in his name around 2015, before the establishment of Classic Legends.

Classic Legends Restricted From Using Yezdi Name: Details

The latest orders by Karnataka HC reads "Mr. Boman Irani and Classic Legends Pvt. Ltd., or any person claiming though or under them are hereby restrained by an order of injunction from using the mark Yezdi or any other mark containing the word Yezdi as a word or a device whether independently or in conjunction with other words including all domain names which use the word / mark Yezdi. This means that the Honorable High Count has restricted the use of name 'Yezdi' in any form by Classic Legends. Furthermore, all the existing trademarks of the 'Yezdi' name is considered null and void.

In the official statement regarding the HC's order, Classic Legends said " The order is held in abeyance and the company is seeking legal advice on the matter. The company will be filing an appeal against the order shortly and is optimistic of securing favourable relief. In the interim, manufacturing and sale of motorcycles will continue, subject to orders of the Appellate Court".

For reference, Classic Legends sell three motorcycles in the Indian market under the 'Yezdi' nameplate i.e. Yezdi Roadster, Scrambler and Adventure.

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Verdict: Before giving any judgements, it is important to understand this whole case is related to the use of the 'Yezdi' brand name and has nothing to do with the motorcycles. Jawa and Yezdi are two main brands under Classic Legends which is owned by Mahindra & Mahindra.