Civil Suit (Section 134 / 135)
Injunction (interim and permanent), damages, account of profits and delivery-up/destruction of infringing goods. Filed in District Court (or High Court Commercial Division where applicable).
Protect your brand with a legal cease and desist notice under Section 29 of the Trade Marks Act, 1999. Evidence analysis, notice drafting, registered post & email delivery, follow-up and court guidance . 7–10 working days. Civil, criminal and e-commerce takedown support.
Fill out the form to consult our IP specialists for a cease and desist notice.
Trade Marks Registry (IP India) — sample certificate of registration
Illustrative sample. Your official certificate is issued after approval.
Trademark infringement is the unauthorised use of a registered trademark or a deceptively similar mark on identical or similar goods or services without the owner’s consent. It is defined under Section 29 of the Trade Marks Act, 1999 and is actionable through civil and criminal remedies in Indian courts.
Section 29 covers identical or deceptively similar marks on registered goods (29(1)), similar marks on similar goods causing confusion (29(2)), presumption of confusion for identical marks on identical goods (29(3)), use on dissimilar goods exploiting reputation (29(4)), and use as a trade name (29(5)). The owner can issue a cease and desist notice as the first step, then file a civil suit under Section 134 for injunction and damages, or pursue criminal prosecution under Sections 103–105. Registered owners have a lighter burden of proof and nationwide protection from the date of filing.
| Type | Legal Basis | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Direct (Identical) | Section 29(1) | Using an identical mark on identical goods or services as covered by registration |
| Direct (Similar) | Section 29(2) | Using a similar mark on identical or similar goods where likelihood of confusion exists |
| Dilution (Well-Known) | Section 29(4) | Using a mark identical or similar to a well-known trademark on dissimilar goods (blurring/tarnishment) |
| Counterfeiting | Sections 103–104 | Deliberate reproduction of an identical registered mark to deceive consumers |
| Cybersquatting | IT Act + UDRP / INDRP | Registering domain names identical to registered trademarks in bad faith |
| Parameter | Trademark Infringement | Passing Off |
|---|---|---|
| Basis | Statutory (Section 29) — registered mark | Common law — goodwill in unregistered mark |
| Registration required | Yes | No |
| Burden of proof | Lighter (registration is prima facie) | Heavier (must prove goodwill, misrepresentation, damage) |
| Remedies | Injunction, damages, account of profits, criminal | Injunction, damages, account of profits (civil) |
| Strategy | Preferred when mark is registered | Used for unregistered marks or in addition to infringement |
Confirm trademark registration number, class, status and goods/services on ipindia.gov.in. Ensure the mark is valid and in force.
Screenshots (with URL and date), photographs of products, purchase invoices, marketplace listings and any consumer confusion material. Timestamp and preserve authenticity.
Assess whether the mark is identical or deceptively similar and whether use is on identical/similar goods. Map to the correct limb of Section 29.
Formal notice on legal letterhead: your trademark details, description of infringement, legal basis (Section 29), demands (stop use, destroy goods, account for damages) and a 15–30 day compliance deadline.
Send via registered post (with acknowledgment) and email. Keep proof of delivery. Tracking creates a clear record for any later court proceeding.
Negotiate settlement if the infringer complies or offers terms. If not, proceed to civil suit (injunction, damages) and/or criminal complaint, and e-commerce takedown where relevant.
Registration certificate (and renewal if any) from IP India confirming ownership, class and goods/services.
Sales invoices, advertisements, packaging and marketing material showing continuous use of your mark.
Timestamped photographs of products, screenshots of websites/apps/social media (URL visible), marketplace listings.
Invoices or receipts of purchase of infringing goods to show commercial use by the infringer.
Complaints, survey extracts or other material indicating likelihood of confusion in the market.
Notarised affidavit summarising ownership, use and the nature of the infringing activity for the notice and any suit.
Injunction (interim and permanent), damages, account of profits and delivery-up/destruction of infringing goods. Filed in District Court (or High Court Commercial Division where applicable).
Imprisonment 6 months to 3 years and fine ₹50,000 to ₹2,00,000 for applying false trademarks or selling goods with false marks. Cognizable; police can act on complaint.
Notice to platforms (Amazon, Flipkart, etc.) with registration certificate and evidence for removal of infringing listings under their IP policies.
For cybersquatting: UDRP (global domains) or INDRP (.in) for transfer of domain names registered in bad faith.
We verify your registration and structure the evidence (screenshots, photos, invoices) so the notice is credible and court-ready if needed.
Notice drafted with clear citation of Section 29, specific demands and a realistic compliance deadline — not a generic template.
Registered post and email with proof of delivery so you have a clear paper trail for follow-up or litigation.
If the notice is ignored, we guide civil suit, criminal complaint and e-commerce platform takedown so enforcement does not stop at the letter.
A formal legal letter from the trademark owner (or attorney) demanding that the recipient stop using an identical or deceptively similar mark, destroy infringing goods and, where appropriate, pay compensation. It cites Section 29 and creates a record before any court action.
For a pure Section 29 infringement notice, yes — the mark should be registered. Unregistered marks are protected through passing off; a notice can still be sent based on goodwill, but the legal basis and burden differ.
No. A C&D notice is a private legal document. There is no government fee. Court fees and stamp duty apply only if you later file a civil suit or criminal complaint.
You can file a civil suit for injunction and damages in the District Court (or High Court Commercial Division), and/or a criminal complaint under Sections 103–105. E-commerce platforms can also be approached for takedown of listings.
Typically 3 years under the Limitation Act, 1963 (Article 113 or relevant article depending on the claim). Act promptly once you discover the infringement.
Under Sections 103–105, imprisonment from 6 months to 3 years and fine Government and statutory fees depend on the entity structure and state requirements. Contact our expert team for a detailed proposal. The offence is cognizable.
Yes. In appropriate cases, District Courts / High Courts can grant interim injunctions within a few weeks of filing the suit, restraining further use of the infringing mark pending final decision.
Trademark registration certificate, proof of your use, timestamped screenshots/photos of the infringing use, purchase invoices of infringing products, and any material showing consumer confusion. Authenticated digital evidence is important for court.
Comprehensive support: registration verification, evidence review, Section 29 cease & desist drafting, registered post & email delivery, follow-up and path to court or platform takedown. 7–10 working days.
Get Free Consultation →