Isolated similarity does not attract trademark infringement: Pernod Ricard India Private Limited vs Karanveer Singh Chhabra

The Apex Court has held in a recent judgement dated 14 August 2025 that isolated similarity does not attract trademark infringement. In Pernod Ricard India Private Limited vs Karanveer Singh Chhabra, a bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan dismissed the appeal and did not interfere with the findings of the Commercial Court and the High Court. The request for an interim injunction order was rejected because the appellants failed to establish grounds for deceptive similarity leading to trademark violation.

The plaintiffs are Pernod Ricard India Pvt. Ltd., manufacturers of well-known whisky brands ‘BLENDERS PRIDE’, since 1995 and ‘IMPERIAL BLUE’ since 1997, the turnover of both amounting to ₹4,400 Cr. Both marks are registered. The defendant was London Pride Distillers Ltd., selling whisky under the mark ‘LONDON PRIDE’. There were allegations of trademark infringement and passing off due to deceptive similarity. 

The bench referred to the Anti-Dissection Rule from a prior decision in Kaviraj Pandit Durga Dutt Sharma v. Navratna Pharmaceuticals Laboratories wherein it was expressly cautioned against isolating individual parts of a composite mark, as such an approach disregards how consumers actually experience and recall trademarks. The Dominant Feature Test is not exclusive either, and it is based on the element which is most distinctive, memorable, and likely to influence consumer perception. 

Common words like “PRIDE” cannot be benchmarked unless secondary meaning is proven. The similarity in these meanings cannot be isolated, which includes trade dress protection too. The bench found that “BLENDERS PRIDE” and “LONDON PRIDE” are distinct and the word “PRIDE” does not have distinctiveness. Claims cannot be made on bottle shape or colour scheme since they are not independently enforceable. Also, since the products in questions prepare premium and ultra-premium whiskeys targeted at a discerning customer base, the consumers are likely to exercise greater care when making purchases. The shared use of the laudatory word ‘PRIDE’, in isolation, cannot form the basis for injunctive relief.

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Associate – Litigation & Insolvency Recruitment 2025 | NM Law Chambers New Delhi

The Associate – Litigation & Insolvency Recruitment 2025 is now open at NM Law Chambers, a New Delhi-based full-service litigation firm. Founded in 2019 by Neeha Nagpal and Malak Bhatt, the firm is known for its strong expertise in commercial litigation, insolvency law, and white-collar crime advisory. The firm regularly represents clients before the Supreme Court of India, various High Courts, NCLAT, and NCLT.

This position is ideal for young legal professionals with 1–2 years of post-qualification experience who want to advance their careers in a dynamic litigation environment.


About NM Law Chambers

NM Law Chambers is a boutique law firm specializing in:

  • Commercial litigation and disputes
  • Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) matters
  • White-collar crime defence and advisory

Since its inception, the firm has built a reputation for strategic advocacy and client-focused legal solutions. Associates at NM Law Chambers gain hands-on exposure to high-stakes litigation and insolvency practice.


Associate – Litigation & Insolvency Recruitment 2025: Vacancy Details

  • Organization: NM Law Chambers
  • Location: Nizamuddin East, New Delhi (On-site, Full-time)
  • Position: Associate – Litigation & Insolvency
  • Experience Required: 1–2 Years PQE
  • Joining: Urgent – Not later than 5 October 2025
  • Vacancies: 01

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Associate – Litigation & Insolvency Recruitment 2025, candidates must meet the following requirements:

  • Education: LL.B. from a recognized university
  • Experience: 1–2 years of post-qualification experience
  • Preferred Skills & Experience:
    • Prior experience in drafting and filing petitions/applications
    • Exposure to commercial litigation, insolvency practice, or white-collar crime defence
    • Strong research and writing skills

Key Responsibilities

The selected candidate will be responsible for:

  • Drafting petitions, applications, and legal notices
  • Assisting in litigation strategy and court proceedings
  • Supporting senior lawyers in matters related to commercial disputes, insolvency, and white-collar crime
  • Handling filings, procedural coordination, and client communication

Salary & Benefits

  • Salary: Not disclosed (commensurate with experience)
  • Work Environment: Dynamic litigation team with exposure to Supreme Court, High Courts, NCLT, and NCLAT matters
  • Growth Opportunities: Hands-on mentoring and opportunities in complex litigation and insolvency law practice

Important Dates

  • Application Deadline: 28 September 2025
  • Joining Date: Not later than 5 October 2025

How to Apply

Interested candidates for the Associate – Litigation & Insolvency Recruitment 2025 must send their updated CV to the following email address:


Why Join NM Law Chambers?

  • Litigation Exposure: Work on matters before Supreme Court, High Courts, NCLT, and NCLAT
  • Specialized Practice Areas: Focus on commercial litigation, insolvency, and white-collar crime defence
  • Career Development: Direct mentorship from experienced founders and senior associates
  • Challenging & Rewarding Work: Opportunity to work on high-profile cases in insolvency and litigation practice

Conclusion

The Associate – Litigation & Insolvency Recruitment 2025 at NM Law Chambers offers a strong platform for young legal professionals looking to advance their careers in litigation and insolvency law. With direct exposure to complex cases, high courts, and NCLT/NCLAT proceedings, this role provides an excellent opportunity for professional growth.

Apply before 28 September 2025 and join NM Law Chambers’ growing litigation team in New Delhi.

To apply for the Associate – Litigation & Insolvency Recruitment 2025, candidates must meet the following requirements:

  • Education: LL.B. from a recognized university
  • Experience: 1–2 years of post-qualification experience
  • Preferred Skills & Experience:
    • Prior experience in drafting and filing petitions/applications
    • Exposure to commercial litigation, insolvency practice, or white-collar crime defence
    • Strong research and writing skills

Key Responsibilities

The selected candidate will be responsible for:

  • Drafting petitions, applications, and legal notices
  • Assisting in litigation strategy and court proceedings
  • Supporting senior lawyers in matters related to commercial disputes, insolvency, and white-collar crime
  • Handling filings, procedural coordination, and client communication

Salary & Benefits

  • Salary: Not disclosed (commensurate with experience)
  • Work Environment: Dynamic litigation team with exposure to Supreme Court, High Courts, NCLT, and NCLAT matters
  • Growth Opportunities: Hands-on mentoring and opportunities in complex litigation and insolvency law practice


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