Pune, August 18: In a dramatic legal victory, a Pune-based burger joint has secured the right to retain its name, "Burger King," following a gruelling 13-year legal battle with the global fast food giant, Burger King Corporation. The dispute, which centred on trademark infringement claims, concluded with a Pune court ruling in favour of the local establishment. District Judge Sunil Vedpathak's ruling allows the Pune restaurant to continue operating under its established name, rejecting the American corporation's demand for a permanent injunction and damages.

According to a report by the Pune Mirror, the case, which was adjudicated by District Judge Sunil Vedpathak, revolved around claims of trademark infringement and breach of contract. Burger King Corporation, a global fast food giant founded in 1954, sought to prevent the Pune restaurant from using the "Burger King" name, arguing that it infringed on their trademark rights. The legal action, led by Pankaj Pahuja representing the US firm, also sought to address issues of passing off and other related claims. Dead Insect Found in Burger King Order? Food Blogger Finds Insect in Veggie Burger Patty Ordered From Mumbai-Based Joint, Shares Video on Instagram.

The court's ruling, delivered on August 16, favoured the Pune restaurant, which has been operating under the "Burger King" name since 1992 in Camp and Koregaon Park. Judge Vedpathak noted that the US firm had not utilised the trademark in India for nearly 30 years, while the Pune restaurant consistently provided services under the name. The ruling underscored that Pune Burger King's use of the name was both legal and honest, as they had established their brand well before Burger King Corporation registered its trademark in India, Hindustan Times reported. Burger King Murder Case: Shooters Among 3 Killed in Encounter by Haryana Police and Delhi Crime Branch in Sonipat.

The prolonged legal dispute began when Burger King Corporation, which operates a global chain of 13,000 restaurants, discovered the Pune restaurant's trademark application in 2008 and sent a cease-and-desist notice in 2009. The local eatery, represented by advocates Abhijit Sarwate, Srushti Angane, and Rahul Pardeshi, refused to comply, leading to a protracted court battle after the US corporation filed a lawsuit in 2011. The judgment reaffirms Pune's Burger King as the prior and legitimate user of the name, securing a landmark victory against the multinational corporation.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 18, 2024 09:27 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).