Lodha brothers to resolve ₹5,000cr trademark dispute through mediation
What's the story
The Bombay High Court has referred a trademark dispute between real estate tycoons Abhishek Lodha and Abhinandan Lodha, to mediation.
The court's decision was announced on Friday, with the mediation process to be overseen by former Supreme Court judge R.V. Raveendran.
The two brothers are sons of BJP leader and Maharashtra cabinet minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha.
Mediation details
Five-week timeline for mediation process
Justice Arif Doctor, who is hearing the case, has given the mediator five weeks to find a solution.
The next hearing will take place on March 21.
The court said if the mediator sees positive progress, an extension may be given. However, if mediation fails, interim relief will be sought on March 21.
Dispute resolution
Court emphasizes mediation over litigation
The court emphasized the significance of mediation in settling this family dispute, asking if any effort was made to resolve it amicably.
It was proposed that the first round of mediation should be between the brothers alone, and other parties involved can join later if required.
Darius Khambata, senior counsel for Abhishek's Macrotech Developers Ltd (Lodha Group), expressed his client's readiness for a time-bound mediation process.
Brotherly bond
Abhishek Lodha expresses hope for reconciliation
Meanwhile, Abhishek also expressed his willingness to be a part of the mediation process.
He said, "Abhinandan is my younger brother and I have a lot of love for him. I have always supported him in whatever manner possible and wished for his success."
He hoped that this mediation process would help them reconcile their differences.
Dispute origin
The root of the Lodha brothers' dispute
The feud between the Lodha brothers started in 2015 when they chose to go their separate ways.
Abhinandan formed The House of Abhinandan Lodha (HoABL), while Abhishek took over the reins of the family's real estate business under Macrotech Developers.
A family settlement agreement in March 2017 gave Abhishek control over the real estate business, and transferred all IP related to real estate, including trademarks, to Macrotech, while Abhinandan focused on ventures outside the sector.
Allegations
Macrotech alleges trademark infringement by Abhinandan's company
Macrotech has accused Abhinandan's company of infringing its registered "Lodha" trademark.
In September 2024, Macrotech demanded that Abhinandan's firm stop using the "Lodha" and "Lodha Group" names and issue disclaimers clarifying it was not affiliated with Macrotech.
Despite admitting to using the name "Lodha Ventures," Abhinandan's company did not deactivate domain names identified by Macrotech as infringing its trademark.
Legal demands
Permanent injunction and damages sought
Macrotech is looking for a permanent injunction to restrain Abhinandan's companies, directors, shareholders, and associates from using the "Lodha" trademark or any similar name.
The firm also wants to restrain the defendants from marketing or offering services that could lead to consumer confusion.
Further, Macrotech is seeking ₹5,000 crore damages for trademark infringement and has sought a disclosure of the defendants' financial records to safeguard its interests.