Court Issues Ex-Parte Ad-Interim Injunction Preventing Use of Trademark "Anantara" by Defendants
In a significant ruling on August 13, 2026, the Delhi High Court, presided over by Justice A. J. Bhambhani, granted an ex-parte ad-interim injunction in favor of MHG IP Holding Singapore Pte Ltd and others against Anantara Spa and associated parties. This injunction restrains the defendants from using the well-known trademark "ANANTARA" or any deceptively similar marks in connection with their business operations pending the final resolution of the suit.
The plaintiffs, part of the globally recognized Minor Hotel Group, claimed rights over the trademark "ANANTARA," widely used for hospitality and related services internationally. They argued that the defendants' use of the name "ANANTARA SPA" constituted trademark infringement and passing off, potentially misleading the public and causing confusion due to the close similarity of the marks.
The court observed that the plaintiffs had established a prima facie case, showing that the balance of convenience favored them and that they would suffer irreparable harm without the injunction. The defendants' use of the term "ANANTARA" alongside "SPA" was deemed neither honest nor coincidental, aggravating the potential for consumer deception due to the plaintiff's association of spa services as part of their luxury offerings.
Additionally, the court noted a previous arbitration ruling under the .IN Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy, which found the defendants' registration of the domain "https://anantaraspa.co.in" not bona fide and intended to trade on the plaintiffs' reputation. Consequently, the domain was ordered to be transferred to the plaintiffs.
The injunction prevents the defendants from using, registering, or operating any marks or domains deceptively similar to "ANANTARA," and mandates the takedown of associated online content. The court also exempted the plaintiffs from pre-litigation mediation, citing the urgent need for relief in trademark infringement cases.
The matter is scheduled for further proceedings on November 17, 2026, to complete pleadings before the Joint Registrar, with a subsequent hearing before the court.
Bottom Line :
Trademark infringement and passing off - The Delhi High Court granted an ex-parte ad-interim injunction restraining the defendants from using the plaintiffs' well-known trademark "ANANTARA" or any deceptively similar marks in connection with their business or services, pending the final disposal of the suit.
Statutory provision(s): Trademarks Act, 1999 Sections 29 and 135, Commercial Courts Act, 2015 Section 12A, Civil Procedure Code, 1908 Order XXXIX Rules 1 and 2
MHG IP Holding Singapore Pte Ltd v. Anantara Spa, (Delhi) : Law Finder Doc id # 2966551
