The Delhi High Court issued a notice in a contempt petition filed by KFC against American Fried Chicken (AFC), alleging that Muhammad Ali. M violated court orders restraining him from using the trademark “AFC” and domain names www.afc.world and www.afconline.in. Despite an injunction issued on 5th September 2024 and an additional order on 22nd October 2024, KFC claimed that the disputed marks and domains were still being used online. The next hearing is scheduled for February 25, 2025, and replies to the notice must be filed within four weeks.
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NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court took action in a case filed by Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) against American Fried Chicken (AFC). KFC filed a contempt petition alleging that Muhammad Ali. M had violated earlier court orders.
The court had already restrained him from using the disputed trademark “AFC.”
Justice Mini Pushkarna is hearing the case, and the next date for the hearing has been set for February 25, 2025.
The contempt petition was filed under Order XXXIX Rule 2A of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (“CPC”), and other related laws, including Sections 11 and 12 of the Contempt of Court Act, 1971, along with Section 151 CPC. KFC is seeking strict action against Muhammad Ali. M for failing to comply with the court orders issued on 5th September 2024 and 22nd October 2024.
Advocate Prithvi Singh, representing KFC, explained that the High Court had granted an ad-interim injunction on 5th September 2024. This injunction specifically restrained Muhammad Ali. M from using the trademark “AFC.”
Later, on 22nd October 2024, the court issued another order. This order additionally restrained Muhammad Ali. M from using certain domain names, including www.afc.world and www.afconline.in.
KFC alleged that even though the injunction orders were in effect, Muhammad Ali. M and his associates continued to violate them.
According to the petition:
- The disputed trademark “AFC” was still being used on websites, social media platforms, and third-party websites.
- The domain names www.afc.world and www.afconline.in were still active, which violated the court’s explicit instructions.
The High Court took note of these alleged violations and issued a notice in the matter. Notices were also sent to the other non-applicants involved in the case. The court has given four weeks for filing replies to the notice. Any rejoinder to the reply must be submitted within two weeks after that.
Justice Mini Pushkarna has scheduled the next hearing for February 25, 2025.
For Plaintiff: Advocates Prithvi Singh and Devyani Nath
For Defendant: Advocates Mrinal Ojha, Debarshi Dutta, Arjun Mookerjee, Nikita Rathi and Rishabh Agarwal
Case Title:
Kentucky Fried Chicken v Muhammad Ali. M (CS(COMM) 718/2024)
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