Retail store outlets chain- Twenty Four Seven has moved the Delhi High Court against its former stakeholder Godfrey Phillips India for the latter’s allegedly unauthorized usage of its trademark.
Responding to the allegation, the tobacco major which is a parent to a slew of brands ranging from Cavanders to Red & White and Marlboro amongst others disputed the claim and stated that it stopped using the mark in October 2024 after Godfrey Philips India exited from the retail business in July 2024.
Godfrey Phillips India, a prominent tobacco manufacturer, ventured into the retail sector in 2005 with 24Seven convenience store chain and exited the venture due to financial reasons.
During the hearing, Justice Mini Pushkarna expressed an inclination to refer the dispute to mediation, but the same was opposed by Twenty Four Seven which said it would rather argue the matter. The next hearing of this particular case will take place in March, 2025.
Hearing the case, the Court noted, “Let the Plaint be registered as suit. Ld Senior Counsel states that the defendant is not using the mark … ‘Twenty Four Seven’ was discontinued from October 10, 2024. The defendant is made bound by the statement.”
Earlier on, Godfrey Phillips’ exit plan faced a legal challenge when Samir Modi, Executive Director of Godfrey Phillips and a key figure behind the 24Seven venture, sought an injunction against the move as Delhi Court had issued an interim injunction against the company to temporarily halt the company’s plans in June 2024.
But, the same was set aside by the District Judge of Saket Court in July 2024, allowing Godfrey Phillips to proceed with its exit strategy. Following the same, Modi was removed from the company’s board during a meeting as fellow directors did not support his reappointment.
