The latest order follows an earlier direction of the court under which Cartel Bros was directed to defer the commercial launch of the product under the impugned mark
The Delhi High Court has restrained Cartel Bros, an entity backed by actor Sanjay Dutt, from using the marks ‘Godfather’ or ‘Godfather’s’ in relation to whisky products during the pendency of the proceedings initiated by Devans Modern Breweries. The matter is listed for further hearing on 23 September 2026.
Devans had approached the Court alleging infringement of its registered Godfather trademark. The company contended that the use of the identical mark for whisky was likely to cause confusion and dilute the distinctive identity and reputation associated with the Godfather brand.
The latest order follows an earlier direction of the court under which Cartel Bros was directed to defer the commercial launch of the product under the impugned mark and refrain from issuing fresh promotional or social media communications relating to it, as per the official statement from Devans.
In its order, the Delhi High Court observed that Devans’ registrations for the Godfather trademark remain valid and enforceable. The Court further observed that the mark appears to be exclusively associated with Devans and that the company has continuously promoted and invested in the brand over the years, the statement added.
The Court further held that beer and whisky are allied and cognate goods, noting that both products are alcoholic beverages and sold through common trade channels and retail outlets and operate under a common regulatory framework.
Based on a prima facie assessment of the material placed before it, the Court restrained Cartel Bros from manufacturing, bottling, marketing, selling, offering for sale, advertising, exporting or using the marks in relation to whisky products during the pendency of the suit.
Devans added that the Court further directed Cartel Bros to take down all listings, advertisements, posts and other digital content bearing the impugned marks from websites, ecommerce platforms, mobile applications, social media platforms and other online media under their control.
