Well-Known Trademarks in India:- In a significant move, the Indian Intellectual Property Office has declared Starbucks, NDTV, and Economic Times as well-known trademarks in India. This recognition is not just a status upgrade—it reflects the brand’s substantial reputation and legal protection under Indian trademark law.
But what does it mean to be a well-known trademark, and why is it important for brand owners, businesses, and IPR professionals? In this blog, we break it down and explain how such recognition impacts the legal landscape of trademarks in India.
What Is a Well-Known Trademark?
A well-known trademark is a mark that has achieved broad recognition among the general public and is strongly associated with the goods or services it represents. According to Section 2(1)(zg) of the Trade Marks Act, 1999, a trademark is considered “well-known” if it is known to a substantial segment of the public, including relevant consumers, across India.
Why Are Starbucks, NDTV & Economic Times Recognized?
These three brands have built immense goodwill and brand recall over the years:
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Starbucks: As a global coffeehouse giant, Starbucks has a massive presence and loyal consumer base in India. Its unique logo, brand name, and in-store experiences contribute to its distinctiveness.
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NDTV (New Delhi Television Limited): A leading news media house in India, NDTV has established itself as a credible and trusted source of news for decades.
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Economic Times: As one of India’s top financial newspapers, The Economic Times has built a strong reputation among business professionals and readers alike.
Each of these trademarks has demonstrated that their names are not just distinctive but are deeply rooted in consumer recognition, which is a key criterion for attaining well-known status.
Legal Significance of Being a Well-Known Trademark
Being listed as a well-known trademark in India offers several legal advantages:
1. Protection Across All Classes
A regular trademark is protected only in the class it is registered under. However, a well-known trademark enjoys cross-class protection. For instance, no one can register “Starbucks” for unrelated goods such as footwear or electronics.
2. Higher Enforcement Strength
Courts and authorities are more likely to enforce rights and grant injunctions against infringement, dilution, or misuse of the mark.
3. No Need to Prove Reputation Again and Again
Once declared well-known, the brand owner doesn’t have to prove the popularity of the mark repeatedly in every legal proceeding.
4. Stronger Online and International Protection
In today’s digital age, well-known trademarks also enjoy more robust protection against domain name squatting and digital impersonation.
How Is Well-Known Status Granted?
To obtain this coveted status, trademark owners must apply under Form TM-M along with comprehensive evidence proving their mark’s popularity, recognition, and usage.
This includes:
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Evidence of sales and advertising spend
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Market share
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Surveys showing public recognition
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Previous legal decisions in favor of the trademark
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Evidence of trademark registrations in multiple jurisdictions
Why This Matters for Your Brand
As a business or startup, securing your brand identity is crucial. While registration provides protection, aiming for well-known status offers a much wider legal shield.
If you believe your brand has become a household name or holds substantial recognition in your sector, it’s worth considering this route. At our IPR firm, we specialize in helping brands file for trademark registration, opposition, renewal—and yes, even well-known trademark recognition.
Final Thoughts
The recent recognition of Starbucks, NDTV, and Economic Times as well-known trademarks in India serves as a powerful reminder of the growing importance of brand value and intellectual property in today’s competitive market. More importantly, it highlights the legal advantages that come with building a recognizable and reputable brand.
For this reason, businesses of all sizes should take proactive steps to build their brand identity, secure their trademarks, and continuously invest in brand awareness. Moreover, achieving the status of a well-known trademark can significantly enhance legal protection—not just in your primary business category, but across all classes.
Therefore, if your trademark is widely recognized and associated with quality or credibility, it may be time to consider applying for well-known status. Not only does this safeguard your brand, but it also deters competitors from imitating or exploiting your name.
So, are you wondering whether your brand qualifies? Contact us today, and we’ll guide you through the process. We’ll help assess the strength of your trademark and provide expert advice on how to achieve broader protection under Indian trademark law.