The Delhi High Court restrained an Indian EV company from using the “Waymo” trademark, granting interim relief to Google. Noting the defendant’s absence despite service, the court proceeded ex parte and protected the brand against potential infringement.
NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court, issued an order restraining an Indian electric vehicle company from using the “Waymo” mark, which is associated with Google’s self-driving car operations.
Justice Jyoti Singh observed that the defendants had been properly served through several channels, including speed post, courier, and email. However, none appeared on their behalf despite the matter being called a second time as well. In view of these circumstances, Justice Singh proceeded to grant an interim injunction in favour of Google.
Waymo an Alphabet Inc. subsidiary, which also owns Google argued that it is a global pioneer in autonomous vehicle technology. It claimed that the defendants were conducting business under the name “P-Waymo Private Limited” and using “Waymo” across their company name, email IDs, and website, despite being involved in the business of electric three-wheelers.
At an earlier hearing on January 15, the Court had examined whether Waymo had adequate presence in India or whether it was relying merely on reputation generated overseas. In response, Waymo maintained that it has an Indian subsidiary, “Waymo India Private Limited,” and that the software backend that powers its driverless technology is developed in India. It stressed that its case was supported by an existing commercial footprint in India and was not based only on transborder goodwill.
Waymo further submitted that the defendants’ conduct went beyond trademark use in a traditional sense, and extended to the use of a trade name specifically through the incorporation of “Waymo” in the defendants’ company name. The Court noted that this also raised concerns related to protection of trade names.
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Waymo argued that even after receiving a cease-and-desist notice, the defendants continued using the impugned mark. It stated that while the defendants’ earlier domain name was not renewed, they allegedly shifted to another website where the “Waymo” mark continued to be used. Waymo also pointed out that the mark appeared on social media platforms and in business communications.
The Court had earlier declined to grant an ex parte injunction and instead issued notice to the defendants, directing service through all permissible modes, including electronic service, while listing the matter for further consideration.
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Today, Waymo contended that the Indian company still did not appear despite repeated service of summons. Noting the continued use of the “Waymo” mark and the defendants’ absence, the Court restrained the defendants from using “Waymo” in any manner, including in their company name, domain names, email addresses, and social media handles.
The Court added that specific URLs would be required for the removal (takedown) of online content that infringes the “Waymo” mark.
The case is scheduled to be heard again in July 2026.
Waymo was represented by Advocates Shwetasree Majumder, Tanya Varma, Vardaan Anand, and Ruchika Yadav.
Case Title: Waymo Vs P-Waymo.
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