Court restrains defendants from using "MG" marks and orders suspension of fraudulent domains following complaints of dealership scams targeting unsuspecting customers.
In a significant ruling delivered on September 3, 2026, the Delhi High Court granted an ex parte ad interim injunction in favor of JSW MG Motor India Private Limited and its parent company, protecting their registered "MG" trademarks from unauthorized and fraudulent use. The judgment arose from allegations that certain defendants were operating fraudulent websites and domains using the "MG" brand to offer fake dealership services, deceiving the public and causing substantial reputational and financial harm to the plaintiffs.
JSW MG Motor India Private Limited, a reputed automobile manufacturer marketing the Morris Garages (MG) brand in India, approached the court after receiving multiple complaints from consumers who were misled by the defendants' unauthorized use of the "MG" trademarks on various domains such as www.mgmotordealership.net, www.mgmotorco.in, and www.mgmotordealership.com. These websites deceptively mimicked the official MG branding and solicited advance payments from customers under the pretense of offering dealership opportunities.
The court acknowledged the plaintiffs' well-established reputation and exclusive rights over the MG trademarks registered under the Trade Marks Act, 1999. It highlighted the plaintiffs' extensive business operations in India, including a robust dealership network and significant investments in marketing and brand promotion. The court noted that the defendants' actions caused confusion among the public, resulting in fraudulent financial transactions and dilution of the plaintiffs' brand image.
Relying on Sections 29 of the Trade Marks Act and Order XXXIX Rules 1 and 2 of the Civil Procedure Code, the court found a prima facie case of trademark infringement and passing off. It emphasized the irreparable harm likely to be suffered by the plaintiffs if the injunction was not granted, given the fraudulent nature of the defendants' activities.
Accordingly, the court restrained the defendants from using the "MG" marks, logos, website designs, and other related branding materials. It directed the suspension of the impugned domains within 36 hours and ordered the defendants to disclose all relevant details related to domain registration and payments. Additionally, the court imposed a lien on a bank account used to receive fraudulent payments and mandated disclosure of transaction and KYC details. The court also directed Google LLC and other entities to provide information related to the fraudulent email accounts involved.
The court further exempted the plaintiffs from the requirement of pre-institution mediation, citing urgency and relevant Supreme Court precedents. The case has been set for further proceedings with summons issued to all defendants.
This judgment reinforces the protection of intellectual property rights in India and serves as a stern warning against fraudulent practices exploiting established trademarks to deceive consumers.
Bottom Line:
Trademark infringement and passing off - Interim injunction granted to protect the registered trademarks of the Plaintiffs and prevent unauthorized use of "MG" marks by Defendants in domains, websites, and other platforms, causing confusion and deception among the public.
Statutory provision(s):
Trade Marks Act, 1999 Section 29, Commercial Courts Act, 2015 Section 12-A, Civil Procedure Code, 1908 Order XXXIX Rules 1 and 2, Section 151 CPC
JSW MG Motor India Private Limited v. Anant Kumar Singh, (Delhi) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2973757
