Tribunal Bans Individuals, Companies From Using 'Khadi' Brand Name

The order came on a complaint filed by KVIC challenging a domain name www.khadi.in being run by Delhi-based Jitendra Jain and his associates, with the tribunal holding that the domain name in question was registered in "bad faith". KVIC has sought damages to the tune of Rs 500 crore from Fabindia.

Khadi is not a generic name and the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) is the legitimate owner of the trade marks "Khadi" and "Khadi India", a tribunal has ruled. The National Internet Exchange of India Domain Dispute Policy (INDRP) Arbitration Tribunal in New Delhi rejected the contention of a private entity that "Khadi" is a generic word and said use of the popular brand name by any other is likely to create confusion and deception with the goods/services of KVIC. The order came on a complaint filed by KVIC challenging a domain name www.khadi.in being run by Delhi-based Jitendra Jain and his associates, with the tribunal holding that the domain name in question was registered in "bad faith". Directing that the domain name www.khadi.in be transferred to KVIC, Pankaj Garg, sole Arbitrator in the matter, said Khadi was not a generic name to be used by private individuals or firms and permanently restrained Jain and his agents from using the brand name Khadi.