In the realm of intellectual property law, the protection of product design as a trademark presents a unique intersection of design, functionality, and brand identity. This analysis explores a recent case involving the plaintiff, a manufacturer of salon furniture, seeking legal redress against a defendant accused of copying their unique shape of product as a trademark and utilizing their promotional materials.

Background:
The plaintiff, a company incorporated in October 2018, specializes in the manufacture and sale of salon furniture, boasting an extensive production and distribution network both domestically and internationally. The company emphasizes its commitment to innovation, with an in-house design and development team dedicated to creating distinctive and high-quality furniture for salons, spas, and parlors. The plaintiff claims that the unique shapes and designs of their products qualify as trademarks under the Trade Marks Act, 1999.

The Dispute:
The plaintiff's grievance centers on the alleged activities of the defendant, who is accused of slavishly copying the plaintiff's salon furniture designs and misappropriating images from the plaintiff's website. The plaintiff contends that this constitutes passing off, as the defendant's actions are likely to cause confusion in the marketplace by presenting their goods as those of the plaintiff. Additionally, the defendant's use of a deceptively similar domain name further exacerbates the potential for consumer confusion.

Legal Framework:
Trademark Definition Under the Trade Marks Act, 1999:
According to Section 2(zb) of the Trade Marks Act, 1999, a "trademark" includes any sign capable of being represented graphically and capable of distinguishing the goods or services of one person from those of others. This definition encompasses the shape of goods, which is also covered under Section 2(m) of the Act.

Protection of Unique Designs as a Trademark:
The Act provides a legal basis for protecting the distinctive shapes of products, provided they can be represented graphically and possess the requisite distinctiveness to differentiate them from others in the market.

Passing Off:
The common law tort of passing off protects a business against unfair competition from others who misrepresent their goods or services as those of the plaintiff. This doctrine is crucial in cases where the plaintiff's trademark is not registered but has acquired distinctiveness through extensive use.

Court's Analysis:
The court, upon reviewing the documents and submissions from both parties, concluded that the plaintiff is entitled to an injunction against the defendant for several reasons:

Prima Facie Evidence of Uniqueness:
The plaintiff's designs were found to be unique and distinctive, satisfying the criteria for trademark protection under the Trade Marks Act. The court noted that the plaintiff's designs were indeed capable of distinguishing their goods from those of the defendant.

Defendant's Copying:
The court found substantial evidence that the defendant had copied the plaintiff's designs, merely altering colors or names. This constituted a clear case of passing off, as the defendant sought to benefit from the plaintiff's established market presence and reputation.

Deceptively Similar Domain Name:
The defendant's use of a domain name closely resembling that of the plaintiff (www.beautysalonfurniture.in versus www.salonfurniture.in) indicated a dishonest intent to mislead consumers and create an association with the plaintiff's brand.

Legal Maxims and Principles Applied:

Qui Prior Est Tempore Potior Est Jure:
This maxim, meaning "he who is earlier in time is stronger in law," supports the plaintiff's claim of priority in the use of their unique designs.

Res Ipsa Loquitur:
This principle, meaning "the thing speaks for itself," applies to the evident copying of the plaintiff's designs by the defendant, demonstrating clear intent to deceive.

Semper Necessitas Probandi Incumbit Ei Qui Agit:
The necessity of proof lies on the party who asserts the fact. The plaintiff successfully met this burden by providing substantial evidence of the defendant's copying and misrepresentation.

Conclusion:
The protection of product design as a trademark under the Trade Marks Act, 1999, reinforces the importance of distinctiveness and originality in commercial goods. In this case, the plaintiff's unique salon furniture designs were rightfully protected against the defendant's infringing activities. The court's decision underscores the legal recourse available to businesses facing unfair competition and emphasizes the significance of trademark protection in preserving brand identity and market position.

Case Title: Marc Salon and Beauty Equipment Pvt. Ltd. Vs GM Sales
Judgement/Order Date: 31.05.2021
Case No. CS Comm 493 of 2023
Neutral Citation: 2023:DHC:4618
Name of Court: High Court of Delhi
Name of Hon'ble Judge: Anish Dayal. H.J.

Disclaimer:
Ideas, thoughts, views, information, discussions and interpretation expressed herein are being shared in the public Interest. Readers' discretion is advised as these are subject to my subjectivity and may contain human errors in perception, interpretation and presentation of the fact and issue involved herein.

Written By: Advocate Ajay Amitabh Suman, IP Adjutor - Patent and Trademark Attorney
Email: [email protected], Ph no: 9990389539