Delhi High Court restrains unauthorized use of Dhanuka Agritech’s ‘DHANUKA’ trademark, protecting its goodwill and reputation from market confusion and unfair competition by fake sellers.
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NEW DELHI: In a crucial ruling for trademark protection in the agrochemical sector, the Delhi High Court has granted an interim injunction restraining various entities from the unauthorized use of Dhanuka Agritech Ltd’s trademark ‘DHANUKA’.
Justice Tejas Karia issued an ex parte ad-interim injunction till January 29, 2026, on a plea filed by Dhanuka Agritech Ltd against Agrim Wholesale Private Limited and others. The plea sought a permanent injunction to prevent trademark infringement, passing off, dilution, and unfair competition.
The court noted:
“The plaintiff has demonstrated long and continuous use of the mark, along with the goodwill and reputation associated with it. The defendants’ sale of infringing products is prima facie dishonest and an attempt to ride the goodwill of the plaintiff’s mark, causing confusion in the market.”
The judgment highlighted that the defendants’ actions were likely to confuse consumers, making them associate the infringing products with Dhanuka Agritech. This could erode consumer trust and dilute the brand’s goodwill and reputation.
The court concluded that the balance of convenience lies in favor of Dhanuka Agritech Ltd, granting the interim injunction.
The court restrained the defendants from:
- Using, soliciting, manufacturing, selling, offering for sale, importing, exporting, or advertising crop production products under the ‘DHANUKA’ mark.
- Engaging in such activities online, including e-commerce platforms, until the next hearing.
Dhanuka Agritech
Dhanuka Agritech Ltd is a leading agrochemical company with a strong nationwide presence, four ISO-certified manufacturing facilities, and a revenue of Rs 2,035 crore in FY 2024-25. The company has earned significant trust among farmers, distributors, and dealers across India.
The court recognized the company’s reputation, goodwill, and statutory compliance, emphasizing the importance of protecting such well-established brands from unauthorized use.
The ruling also pointed out that Agrim Wholesale Pvt Ltd had failed to comply with regulations regarding the sale of agrochemical products through e-commerce platforms. Despite multiple written complaints, show-cause notices, and an advisory from the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, the defendants continued selling products without the necessary licenses and principal certificates.
The court observed that such actions violate statutory frameworks and put consumers and the market at risk.
