Sweet Victory: Nutella Recognised as a Well-Known Trademark in India

The Delhi High Court has recognised Nutella as a well-known trademark in India, ruling in favour of Italian chocolate maker Ferrero in a trademark infringement case against Thane-based MB Enterprises.

The court found that MB Enterprises was producing, distributing, and selling counterfeit Nutella products with identical packaging, labels, and trade dress. A 2021 raid by the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration had led to the seizure of a large quantity of fake Nutella products and packaging materials. 

The Delhi High Court granted Nutella well-known trademark status, citing the brand’s continuous commercial presence in India since 2009 and its global prominence since 1964. “The court recognised the substantial advertising investments, strong sales figures, and broad consumer recognition associated with the trademark,” said Siddharth Varshney, attorney at Ira Law in New Delhi.