G.D. PHARMACEUTICALS PRIVATE LIMITED …..Plaintiff Versus M/S CENTO PRODUCTS (INDIA) …..Defendant
Date of the order:-07.08.2024
Landmark Judgment Upholds Legacy Brand’s Rights
In a decisive victory for heritage brands, the Delhi High Court has granted comprehensive protection to the iconic BOROLINE antiseptic cream, declaring it a ‘well-known trademark’ after 95 years of continuous use. The court permanently restrained Cento Products from manufacturing or selling its BOROBEAUTY cream with similar packaging, dealing a blow to copycat products in India’s FMCG sector.
Historic Recognition for India’s Beloved Antiseptic Cream
Delhi High Court on 7th August 2024 judgment formally acknowledged what generations of Indians have known – that BOROLINE‘s distinctive dark green packaging with white lettering has become “a household name” preceding India’s independence. The court noted its ₹171 crore annual sales and ₹37 crore advertising spend as evidence of the brand’s unparalleled market position.
Infringers Forced into Complete Rebranding
Facing overwhelming evidence, defendant Cento Products conceded defeat by voluntarily offering to:
- Abandon its BOROBEAUTY name,
- Replace the infringing green packaging with blue,
- Remove all ‘BORO‘ prefix references,
The court mandated these changes while imposing ₹2 lakh costs, calling it a “small price” for trademark violation.
Why This Matters for Indian Businesses
This precedent-setting judgment:
✓ Establishes stricter protection for packaging trade dress,
✓ Creates faster recourse against ‘same-to-same’ products,
✓ Sets clear standards for ‘well-known’ trademark status,
✓ Empowers legacy brands against infringers.
The Final Word
“BOROLINE isn’t just a cream – it’s a piece of Indian history that deserves protection,” the judgment observed, closing the case that began in 2018. For brand owners, the message is clear: build distinctive identities and the law will shield your legacy.
#TrademarkWin #IPRights #BrandProtection #MadeInIndia #DelhiHighCourt #FMCG #BusinessLaw #trademark #infringement #copyright #lexeagle #gogia #neeraj
Edited & Reviewed by Neeraj Gogia, Advocate
Contact for legal advice :- 9891800100
advocateneerajgogia@gmail.com