- Sweet Victory for ‘NUTELLA’ Trademark
Early August 2025
Source: Economic Times
What happened: The Delhi High Court granted a permanent injunction and awarded ₹30 lakh in damages to Ferrero, the makers of Nutella, in a major trademark infringement case against a company selling counterfeit products. The court declared Nutella a well-known trademark, which provides it with a broader scope of protection.
Why it matters: This ruling highlights the growing judicial recognition of well-known trademarks in India and signals a strong stance against counterfeiting. This is a crucial precedent for brands operating in India, emphasizing the importance of robust trademark enforcement.
- Delhi High Court Refuses Injunction After Patent Expiry
August 7, 2025
Source: Live Law
What happened: The Delhi High Court held that patent rights lapse upon expiry and cannot be enforced thereafter. In the case of Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki v. LMW Limited, the court refused to grant an interim injunction to a company seeking to prevent a rival from manufacturing a product after its patent had expired.
Why it matters: This decision is significant for patent litigation in India, clarifying that the rights afforded by a patent are finite. It reminds businesses and inventors to strategically plan their IP portfolios and commercialization timelines, as legal protection ends precisely when the patent term does.
- AI-Powered Solutions Secure Major Funding
Early August 2025
Source: YourStory
What happened: Several Indian AI startups secured significant funding in the first week of August. DPDzero, an AI-based debt recovery platform, raised $7 million, while Rifa AI, a conversational AI startup, secured $1.1 million. Additionally, AI startup Bhindi.io raised $4 million in a pre-seed funding round.
Why it matters: The surge in funding for these diverse AI startups demonstrates strong investor confidence in India’s technology ecosystem. It signals a growing trend of AI being applied to solve real-world problems in sectors like finance and customer service, showcasing India’s potential to become a leader in applied AI innovation.
- Bihar Launches Statewide ‘Startup Idea Festival’
Early August 2025
Source: The Times of India
What happened: The Bihar government initiated a ‘Startup Idea Festival’ to foster innovative thinking among youth. The festival, being implemented across all 38 districts, connects students and young innovators with government schemes and the Bihar Startup Fund, which provides seed funding and other support.
Why it matters: This initiative reflects a broader trend of state governments actively nurturing startup ecosystems beyond major metropolitan hubs. By providing localized support, the program aims to democratize access to resources and cultivate a strong pipeline of grassroots innovation, which is vital for India’s long-term economic development.
