Kent RO Systems Ltd. v. Kent Cables Pvt. Ltd. & Ors., FAO(OS)(COMM) 141/2023 & 142/2023, decided by the High Court of Delhi on 11 March 2026 by a Division Bench comprising Hon’ble Mr. Justice Navin Chawla and Hon’ble Ms. Justice Madhu Jain.The appeals arose from an interim order passed by a Single Judge of the Delhi High Court in two commercial suits concerning competing claims over the use of the trademark “KENT” in relation to electric fans and allied products. The Single Judge had refused to restrain Kent Cables Pvt. Ltd. from using the mark “KENT” for fans but had granted an injunction restraining Kent RO Systems Ltd. from manufacturing and selling fans under the same mark during the pendency of the suit. Aggrieved by the partial relief granted, Kent RO Systems Ltd. preferred the present appeals before the Division Bench.

Issue of Law

The principal issue before the Court was whether the Single Judge had correctly applied the principles governing grant of interim injunction in trademark disputes, particularly in determining the competing rights of the parties to use the trademark “KENT” in relation to electric fans. The Court also examined whether the Single Judge had properly assessed prior use, goodwill, and likelihood of confusion in the marketplace.

Facts

Kent RO Systems Ltd., a well-known manufacturer of water purifiers and other home appliances, claimed proprietary rights over the trademark “KENT”, asserting extensive reputation and goodwill associated with the mark. The company alleged that Kent Cables Pvt. Ltd. had begun manufacturing and selling electric fans under the same mark, thereby infringing its trademark rights and passing off its goods as those of the appellant.Kent Cables Pvt. Ltd., however, asserted that it had independently adopted and used the mark “KENT” in relation to electrical goods including fans. It contended that its use was legitimate and that the mark had been used in a different segment of electrical products, thereby negating any likelihood of confusion.

Background (The Single Judge’s Order)

The learned Single Judge considered the rival claims and passed a split order. While declining to restrain Kent Cables Pvt. Ltd. from using the mark “KENT” for fans, the Court restrained Kent RO Systems Ltd. from manufacturing and selling fans under the trademark during the pendency of the suit. The Single Judge reasoned that the respondents had established a prima facie case of prior use in relation to electric fans and that the balance of convenience lay in their favour.

Judgment

The Division Bench examined the material on record and reiterated the settled principles governing interim injunction in trademark disputes, namely the existence of a prima facie case, balance of convenience, and likelihood of irreparable injury.The Court observed that while Kent RO Systems Ltd. had substantial reputation in the mark “KENT” in the field of water purifiers and certain appliances, the dispute concerned a specific product segment, namely electric fans. In assessing interim relief, the Court emphasised the importance of examining prior use of the mark in the relevant market segment.The Division Bench held that the Single Judge had undertaken a detailed examination of the competing claims and had exercised discretion after considering the available evidence. The appellate court noted that interference with discretionary interim orders is warranted only when the order is shown to be arbitrary, perverse, or based on a misapplication of legal principles. Upon review, the Court found no such infirmity in the reasoning of the Single Judge. The Division Bench therefore declined to interfere with the impugned order and upheld the interim arrangement pending adjudication of the suit.

Subsequent Development

With the dismissal of the appeals, the interim order passed by the Single Judge continues to operate. The suits between the parties remain pending before the Commercial Division of the Delhi High Court, where the issue of trademark ownership, infringement, and passing off will be determined after trial.

Access the Official Judgement here

Court

In the High Court of Delhi at New Delhi.

Case Title

Kent RO Systems Limited & Ors. v. Kent Cables Private Limited & Ors.

Case Number

FAO(OS)(COMM) 141/2023 & FAO(OS)(COMM) 142/2023.

Bench

Hon’ble Mr. Justice Navin Chawla

Hon’ble Ms. Justice Madhu Jain.

Date of Judgment

11 March 2026.