Bombay HC Restrains Use Of ‘Jio’ Trademark For Taxi Services, Grants Interim Relief To Reliance Industries
**Bombay High Court Grants Interim Injunction in Favor of Reliance Industries, Restraining Use of ‘JIO’ Trademark by Taxi Service www.jiocabs.com**
*Mumbai:* The Bombay High Court has granted an interim injunction in favor of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), restraining certain parties from using its registered ‘JIO’ trademark for taxi services offered under the domain name www.jiocabs.com.
**Prima Facie Case Established**
Justice Somasekhar Sundaresan, on Tuesday, granted interim protection after observing that Reliance had established a strong prima facie case. The court noted that the continued use of the well-known brand by unauthorized parties could cause serious harm to RIL’s goodwill.
> “The continued usage of a well-known and protected brand name would indeed cause grave injury,” the court stated. It also added, “considering the mending of ways by the Defendants, even the balance of convenience would be in favour of grant of the ad-interim relief.”
**Arguments by Reliance**
Advocate Vinod Bhahat, representing Reliance, argued that the company is the registered proprietor of the ‘JIO’ mark, which is protected across multiple classes. RIL contended that the use of the mark ‘Jiocabs’ and the associated domain name constituted trademark infringement and passing off.
The website and its promotional materials allegedly used names, logos, and artistic elements that were identical or deceptively similar to Reliance’s registered marks.
**History and Evidence**
RIL informed the court that it had adopted the JIO mark in 2016 and obtained registrations dating back to 2011 and 2012. The company described the mark as a “well-known trademark” and supported this with extensive evidence, including screenshots, WhatsApp conversations, and promotional images showing active misuse of its brand identity.
**Defendants’ Conduct Noted**
Although the defendants altered some content after receiving a legal notice, Reliance submitted that they continued to hold and operate the disputed domain name, thereby perpetuating consumer confusion.
The court further noted that despite being served, the defendants had not entered an appearance. However, it acknowledged that they appeared to have “mended their approach” by changing to a new name, though the domain www.jiocabs.com remains active.
**Interim Relief Granted**
After considering the rival marks, labels, and conduct of the parties, the court held that an urgent interim order was warranted. The bench restrained the defendants from using the ‘JIO’ mark, the impugned domain name, or any logos, labels, or artwork identical or deceptively similar to Reliance’s trademarks or copyrighted material.
**Next Hearing**
The defendants have been permitted to file their affidavit in reply within four weeks. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on November 28, 2025.
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https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/bombay-hc-restrains-use-of-jio-trademark-for-taxi-services-grants-interim-relief-to-reliance-industries
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