Lawanya Khanna

Imagine your favorite Indian food brand, perhaps a beloved snack, a trusted spice mix, or a popular restaurant chain. You choose it because you expect a certain taste, a certain quality, every single time. This consistent experience builds trust, making that brand a part of your life. But what if that promise is broken, not by the original maker, but by someone else using their name? This is the silent danger of 'naked licensing', a hidden threat that can unravel years of brand building.

Introduction In the legal context of intellectual property, trademarks serve as an essential instrument and symbol for distinguishing one product/service from another and protecting the identity of a brand. The case of Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited v. Friends Inc. & Anr.[1] before the Delhi High Court emphasizes the importance of protecting well-established trademarks.