ISKCON: A Well-known Trademark?

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) had brought a suit against a company named Iskcon Apparels Pvt Ltd for alleged trademark violation earlier this year. Iskcon Apparels Pvt Ltd, an apparel selling company, had recently changed its name to Alcis Sports Pvt Ltd, but had continued to use “Formerly known as Iskcon Apparels Pvt Ltd” on their website.

The Bombay High Court, through Justice Colabawalla held that ISKCON had earned immense reputation and goodwill and was widely recognizable, hence the trademark could not be limited to certain classes only. Further, ISKCON was, through the court’s order declared as a well-known trademark.