The iconic Yezdi nameplate was re-introduced by Classic Legends with two motorcycles in January 2022. Not just Yezdi, Classic Legends has also revived the Jawa brand with modern mechanics. A new order from Karnataka High Court could impact the sales of Yezdi motorcycles in our market. The High Court found that the ‘Yezdi’ brand is under the ownership of the defunct Ideal Jawa India Pvt. Ltd. Co., which is under liquidation.
The Court further stated that the Yezdi name cannot be used on Classic Legends’ new bikes, as it falls under the domain of the Liquidator’s office. Defunct in 1996, the Ideal Jawa India Co. Pvt. Ltd. still owned the rights to the Yezdi trademark. The trademark is under the purview of the Liquidator’s office and the ownership of the Yezdi name lies solely with the Liquidator’s office. The trademark cannot be used by any party until all pending dues of the Ideal Jawa India Co. Pvt. Ltd have been cleared.
The Ideal Jawa Employees Association said that their dues haven’t yet been settled. The funds raised from the sale of all assets including the trademark of Yezdi from the Ideal Jawa Co. Pvt. Ltd. should be used to settle all pending dues. All trademark registration certificates issued by the Registrar of Trademarks, Mumbai, Delhi and Ahmedabad in favour of Boman Irani are declared as null and voide by Karnataka High Court. The Court also directed the Trademark Registration Authority to transfer all such registrations to Ideal Jawa through the OL (Official Liquidator).
The Ideal Jawa Employees Association also filed a separate application to stay the registrations granted by the trademark registrar. Karnataka HC has also imposed a fine of Rs 10 lakh each on both, Boman Irani and Classic Legends. The HC has also directed the company to stop all operations that concern the usage of the Yezdi brand name in 30 days.
Commenting on the recent development, Classic Legends said, “The order is held in abeyance and the company is seeking legal advice on the matter. The company will be filing an appeal against the order shortly and is optimistic of securing favourable relief. In the interim, manufacturing and sale of motorcycles will continue, subject to orders of the Appellate Court.”
Source – AutoCarIndia
