Tata Sues Dabur for Launching Schezwan Chutney
Tata’s Capital Foods is suing Dabur over its use of the name “Schezwan Chutney.” The Delhi High Court will decide on the case in February 2025.
In a legal battle between two big companies, Capital Foods (owned by the Tata Group) and Dabur, the issue is over the name “Schezwan Chutney.” Capital Foods, which owns the well-known Ching’s Secret brand, has accused Dabur of copying its popular chutney product. Here’s what’s going on:
What Happened? In 2024, Dabur launched its own version of “Schezwan Chutney,” a product very similar to the one sold by Capital Foods under the Ching’s Secret brand. Not only did Dabur use the same name, but its packaging and branding also looked quite similar to Ching’s Secret, making it seem as if Dabur’s chutney was somehow linked to or approved by Ching’s Secret.
Why Is Capital Foods Upset? Capital Foods, through its lawyers, told the Delhi High Court that it has exclusive rights to the name “Schezwan Chutney” because the name is trademarked. The company said it has spent a lot of money and effort building the Ching’s Secret brand, making the chutney very popular in the market. They argued that Dabur’s product was misleading customers, as it used the same name and similar packaging. Capital Foods wants the court to stop Dabur from selling chutney under the name “Schezwan Chutney.”
Dabur’s Defense: Dabur, on the other hand, says that “Schezwan Chutney” is not a unique or special name but simply describes the kind of chutney it is, based on its ingredients. According to Dabur, no single company should have exclusive rights over the name. Dabur also pointed out that it had filed a petition in October 2024 to cancel the trademark on “Schezwan Chutney,” with a hearing scheduled for February 5, 2025. Dabur believes allowing one company to control the name would create unfair competition and confuse customers.
What Did the Court Say? The Delhi High Court, led by Justice Mini Pushkarna, has taken the case seriously. After listening to both sides, the court has scheduled the next hearing for the last week of February 2025. The court will decide whether Dabur’s use of the name “Schezwan Chutney” violates trademark laws. It will also look into whether the name “Schezwan Chutney” is distinctive enough to be protected as a trademark or if it is just a general term anyone can use.
What’s Next? Both companies will have to wait for the court’s final decision in February 2025. Until then, it’s unclear whether Dabur will be allowed to keep using the name “Schezwan Chutney.”
Stay tuned for updates on this case, and feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!
