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Case / Trial ID Number
Jurisdiction Code
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in
upc
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Category
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Patent
Trademark
Copyright
Design
Filing Date
Decision Verdict Date
Court / Tribunal
Bench / Panel Judges
Petitioner / Claimant (Plaintiff)
Signatureglobal India Limited
Respondent / Defendant
Ashok Kumar & Ors
Dispute Summary
The Delhi High Court granted an interim injunction in favor of Signatureglobal India Limited, restraining the Defendants from using the Plaintiff's registered trademarks. The Court found that the Defendants were prima facie infringing the Plaintiff's trademarks and copyright, and passing off their services. The injunction was granted to prevent irreparable damage to the Plaintiff's goodwill and reputation.
Outcome / Ruling
plaintiff_favorable
Verdict Document PDF URL
Full text judgment
[Cites 7 , Cited by 0 ] Delhi High Court - Orders Signatureglobal India Limited vs Ashok Kumar & Ors on 6 April, 2026 Author: Jyoti Singh Bench: Jyoti Singh $~51 * IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI + CS(COMM) 355/2026 SIGNATUREGLOBAL INDIA LIMITED .....Plaintiff Through: Ms. Pranjali Arya, Mr. Bhanu Gupta and Ms. Kripa Pandit, Advocates. versus ASHOK KUMAR & ORS. .....Defendants Through: CORAM: HON'BLE MS. JUSTICE JYOTI SINGH ORDER % 06.04.2026 I.A. 9050/2026 (Exemption) 1. Allowed, subject to all just exceptions. 2. Application stands disposed of. I.A. 9048/2026 (for pre-institution mediation) 3. This application is filed on behalf of the Plaintiff under Section 151 CPC read with Section 12-A of the Commercial Courts Act, 2015 seeking exemption from Pre-Institution Mediation. 4. Having regard to the facts of the present case wherein urgent relief is prayed for and in light of the judgment of Supreme Court in Yamini Manohar v. T.K.D. Keerthi , (2024) 5 SCC 815, as also Division Bench of this Court in Chandra Kishore Chaurasia v. RA Perfumery Works Private Ltd. , 2022 SCC OnLine Del 3529, exemption is granted to the Plaintiff from Pre-Institution Mediation. 5. Application is allowed and disposed of. CS(COMM) 355/2026 Page 1 of 23 This is a digitally signed order. The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 13/04/2026 at 20:35:30 I.A. 9049/2026 (u/O XI Rule 1 (4) Commercial Courts Act, 2015 r/w Section 151 CPC) 6. This application is filed on behalf of the Plaintiff seeking leave to place on record additional documents. 7. Plaintiff, if it wishes to file additional documents at a later stage, shall do so strictly in accordance with provisions of the Commercial Courts Act, 2015 . 8. Application is disposed of. I.A. 9051/2026 (u/S 149 CPC ) 9. This application is filed on behalf of the Plaintiff seeking extension of time for filing the court fees. 10. For the reasons stated in the application, the same is allowed permitting the Plaintiff to deposit the requisite court fees within two weeks from today. 11. Application is disposed of. CS(COMM) 355/2026 12. Let plaint be registered as a suit. 13. Upon filing of process fee, issue summons to the Defendants through all permissible modes, returnable before the learned Joint Registrar on 12.05.2026. 14. Summons shall state that the written statements shall be filed by the Defendants within 30 days from the receipt of summons along with affidavits of admission/denial of the documents filed by the Plaintiff. 15. It will be open to the Plaintiff to file replications within 30 days from the date of receipt of written statements along with affidavits of admission/denial of documents filed by the Defendants. 16. If any of the parties wish to seek inspection of any documents, the CS(COMM) 355/2026 Page 2 of 23 This is a digitally signed order. The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 13/04/2026 at 20:35:30 same be sought and given the timeline prescribed in Delhi High Court (Original Side) Rules, 2018. 17. Learned Joint Registrar will carry out admission/denial of documents and marking of exhibits. I.A. 9047/2026 (u/O XXXIX Rules 1 and 2 r/w Section 151 CPC) 18. This application is filed on behalf of the Plaintiff seeking an interim injunction against the Defendants. 19. Issue notice to the Defendants through all permissible modes, returnable before Court on 27.04.2026. 20. Dasti in addition. 21. Case of the Plaintiff as set out in the plaint is that Plaintiff is a public limited company and one of India's leading real estate development companies in the affordable and mid-segment housing category. Initially established as a key player in affordable housing, Plaintiff is now broadening its scope by focusing towards premium and mid-housing segment, with strong emphasis on quality execution, value creation, reliability and adherence to global standards. Since its inception in 2014, Plaintiff has delivered over 13.5 million sq. ft. of housing area and has a strong pipeline of approximately 21.6 million sq. ft. of saleable area in upcoming projects, along with 46.38 million sq. ft. of ongoing projects. Plaintiff has launched multiple residential and commercial projects under its reputed brand 'Signature Global'. Plaintiff has built a strong presence in NCR, including Gurugram and Sohna and is known for its timely project delivery and transparent customer service. Plaintiff is registered with RERA and has earned recognition for creating quality, environmentally sustainable developments, certified by EDGE and IGBC. Plaintiff's CS(COMM) 355/2026 Page 3 of 23 This is a digitally signed order. The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 13/04/2026 at 20:35:30 offerings form an essential part of urban housing infrastructure in India, serving thousands of residents and contributing meaningfully to affordable urban development. 22. It is stated that Plaintiff was originally incorporated as Ridisha Marketing Private Limited on 28.03.2000 and pursuant to a special resolution passed by its shareholders on 14.02.2022, company was converted into a public limited company and renamed as Signature Global (India) Limited, with a fresh certificate of incorporation issued on 10.03.2022. Company commenced its real estate operations in 2014 through its subsidiary, Signature Builders Private Limited, launching its inaugural project, Solera on 6.13 acres of land in Gurugram, Haryana. Plaintiff's projects are strategically located in Gurugram, Karnal and Ghaziabad, aligning with Government of India's initiatives such as 'Housing for All' and the 'Smart Cities Mission' by providing quality housing solutions to economically weaker sections and middle-income groups. Plaintiff's developments incorporate sustainable building practices, evidenced by certifications from recognized bodies. Notably, the 'Titanium SPR' project in Sector 71, Gurugram, has received both EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) certification as also IGBC (Indian Green Building Council) Gold certification. These certifications reflect Plaintiff's commitment to energy efficiency, water conservation and environmental sustainability in its projects. 23. It is stated that over the years, Plaintiff has garnered numerous prestigious awards and recognitions, underscoring its excellence and leadership in the real estate sector and these accolades conferred by esteemed national and international institutions reflect company's CS(COMM) 355/2026 Page 4 of 23 This is a digitally signed order. The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 13/04/2026 at 20:35:30 commitment to quality, sustainability, timely delivery and customer satisfaction. Plaintiff's consistent recognition across various categories, ranging from affordable housing to green development has significantly enhanced its brand equity and public trust. Some of the awards received by the Plaintiff recently are as follows:- 24. It is stated that Plaintiff has garnered significant media attention for its notable achievements and strategic initiatives within the real estate sector. In the fiscal year 2024-25, Plaintiff reported record pre-sales of Rs. 10,290 CS(COMM) 355/2026 Page 5 of 23 This is a digitally signed order. The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 13/04/2026 at 20:35:30 crore, marking a 42% year-on-year growth, as documented by 'The Economic Times'. This substantial growth was driven by the successful launch of five new projects, including 'Daxin Vistas' in Sohna, 'Titanium SPR', and 'Twin Tower DXP' in Gurugram. Furthermore, Plaintiff's strategic land acquisitions such as procurement of 48 acres in Gurugram for Rs. 1,070 crore have prominently featured in reputable publications and these developments underscore Plaintiff's robust market presence and its commitment to addressing the housing needs within NCR. 25. It is stated that Plaintiff has a strong and distinctive digital footprint through its official domain www.signatureglobal.in and official social media accounts. These platforms are extensively used for advertising, consumer engagement, project launches and grievance redressal. Plaintiff's digital identity is an extension of its commercial goodwill and forms an integral part of its brand recognition in the eyes of prospective homebuyers and hence, unauthorized registration and use of deceptively similar domain names by third parties adversely impacts the distinctiveness and value of this digital presence. Plaintiff's Signature Global trademarks and related branding elements enjoy significant recognition and goodwill among consumers and industry professionals, as evidenced by their active and verified social media accounts. 26. It is stated that Plaintiff is the registered proprietor of trademarks SIGNATUREGLOBAL/ . Details of registrations are as follows:- CS(COMM) 355/2026 Page 6 of 23 This is a digitally signed order. The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 13/04/2026 at 20:35:30 27. It is stated that the registrations have been renewed from time to time and are valid and subsisting. Hence, by virtue of Section 28 of Trade Marks Act, 1999 ('1999 Act'), Plaintiff has the exclusive right to use the trademarks as also restrain third parties from infringement. Plaintiff's services in the field of real estate development are widely known, recognized and associated with its distinctive and registered trademarks SIGNATUREGLOBAL/ . Owing to extensive use, consistent project delivery and public visibility through advertising, CS(COMM) 355/2026 Page 7 of 23 This is a digitally signed order. The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 13/04/2026 at 20:35:30 digital media and Government partnerships, the trademarks SIGNATUREGLOBAL/ have acquired a distinctive character and serve as source-identifiers for the Plaintiff in minds of the members of the public and potential consumers. The goodwill and reputation of the Plaintiff is evident from substantial revenues and pre-sales under the marks SIGNATUREGLOBAL/ and its associated brand portfolio. Plaintiff has extensively promoted and advertised its projects under the said trademarks across print, digital and outdoor media. The sales figures from 2020-2021 to 2024-2025 are as follows:- 28. It is stated that Plaintiff prominently offers and advertises its real estate projects and related services under its registered trademarks SIGNATUREGLOBAL/ through its official domain name, www.signatureglobal.in, wherein 'SIGNATUREGLOBAL' forms an essential part of the domain name and the said domain name hosts detailed information about Plaintiff's residential and commercial developments, CSR CS(COMM) 355/2026 Page 8 of 23 This is a digitally signed order. The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 13/04/2026 at 20:35:30 activities, investor disclosures and contact channels. As per information available on www.whois.com, Plaintiff registered the aforesaid domain name on 08.01.2014 and is the owner of the said domain name, which continues to be valid and subsisting. The domain receives substantial web traffic from prospective homebuyers, investors and stakeholders seeking information about ongoing and upcoming projects. Furthermore, Plaintiff carries out its formal communications through designated corporate email addresses bearing its domain name for e.g., [email protected] , thereby reinforcing Plaintiff's brand identity and maintaining secure digital correspondence. 29. It is stated that Plaintiff utilizes its official domain name, www.signatureglobal.in, not only to showcase its real estate projects and services under SIGNATUREGLOBAL/ brand but also as an interactive platform to conduct its business operations. The website provides comprehensive information on the ongoing and completed residential and commercial projects, investor relations, corporate social responsibility initiatives and customer support services. Use of green and white colors along with modern architectural visuals at the background on the website, projects a theme of luxury. Furthermore, placement of distinctive logo for SIGNATUREGLOBAL/ at the top left corner of the website along with the inquiry form on the right side, is unique to Plaintiff's website. Images, photographs and design elements featured on Plaintiff's website constitute original artistic works under Section 2(c) of the Copyright Act, 1957 ('1957 Act') and are integral to CS(COMM) 355/2026 Page 9 of 23 This is a digitally signed order. The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 13/04/2026 at 20:35:30 Plaintiff's brand identity and are used consistently across its marketing and promotional materials. Screenshots from the website are as follows:- CS(COMM) 355/2026 Page 10 of 23 This is a digitally signed order. The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 13/04/2026 at 20:35:30 CS(COMM) 355/2026 Page 11 of 23 This is a digitally signed order. The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 13/04/2026 at 20:35:30 30. It is stated that Plaintiff is the lawful proprietor of trademarks SIGNATUREGLOBAL/ and their formative marks as also the domain name and holds copyright in the artistic work in the website and logos and has statutory and common law rights to protect their infringement. Plaintiff has proactively issued public notices to caution the general public against unauthorized individuals and entities misrepresenting themselves as representatives of Plaintiff Company. These notices are disseminated through reputable newspapers in both English and Hindi and are also available on the Plaintiff's website, https://www.signatureglobal.in/public-notice.php?utm. Plaintiff emphasizes in these notices that it does not authorize any person or agency to collect money on its behalf without proper documentation and verification. Said public notices also provide contact information for verification purposes, including Plaintiff's official website and registered official address. 31. It is stated that in an effort to secure and protect its Intellectual Property rights, Plaintiff has recently filed CS(COMM) 482/2025 and CS(COMM) 1209/2025 against Ashok Kumar/Unknown entities before this Court, seeking relief of permanent injunction by restraining the Defendants from infringing the trademarks and copyrights of the Plaintiff and/or passing off, amongst other reliefs and continues to be vigilant in protecting its rights. 32. It is stated that Plaintiff first became aware of the infringing activities of Defendant No. 1/Unknown Defendants/Ashok Kumar in the first week of March, 2026 during a routine online investigation. Plaintiff was shocked to find that Defendant No. 1 is operating a domain i.e., CS(COMM) 355/2026 Page 12 of 23 This is a digitally signed order. The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 13/04/2026 at 20:35:30 https://www.signaturegurugram.com/ as well as website that is deceptively and confusingly similar to Plaintiff's official website i.e., www.signatureglobal.in. Defendant No. 1 has deliberately adopted and is using most prominent element of Plaintiff's marks i.e. 'SIGNATURE', in the domain name of the impugned website and has maliciously combined it with the word 'GURUGRAM', since most customers and members of trade are aware that Plaintiff's operations are predominantly in the Gurugram area. Hence, any unwary customer or member of trade is likely to assume that the impugned website belongs to or has some association with the Plaintiff. It is evident that Defendant No.1 is attempting to encash on the formidable goodwill and reputation of the Plaintiff for unlawful monetary gains. Comparative table of the rival domain names is as follows:- 33. It is stated that upon further investigation, Plaintiff found that the impugned website has been registered under an unknown name/address i.e., Defendant No. 1/Ashok Kumar. Perusal of the WHOIS.COM Registrant information on www.whois.com reveals that details of Defendant No. 1 associated with the impugned website are hidden and therefore, it is impossible to locate the owners of the websites and/or their contact details. However, WHOIS.COM Registrant information did reveal that the impugned website/URL https://www.signaturegurugram.com/ has been registered by Domain Registrar- 'HOSTINGER Operations UAB', being Defendant No. 2 herein. As per WHOIS.com information, said domain name was originally registered on 11.07.2025 and is valid upto 11.07.2026. CS(COMM) 355/2026 Page 13 of 23 This is a digitally signed order. The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 13/04/2026 at 20:35:30 34. It is stated that the impugned website contains contents which are infringing Plaintiff 's copyright and trademarks SIGNATUREGLOBAL/ and have been published without any authorization and/or permission from the Plaintiff. The impugned website, https://www.signaturegurugram.com/, has replicated key aspects of Plaintiff's website, including Plaintiff's trademarks and copyright vested in SIGNATUREGLOBAL/ and literary content, layout, artwork and images of the projects from official website of Plaintiff have also been copied. Defendant No. 1 is misleading the customers and cheating them by making false bookings and receiving advance payments towards real estate projects thereby depriving the customers of their hard-earned money. Comparative of Plaintiff's official website and the impugned website is as follows:- CS(COMM) 355/2026 Page 14 of 23 This is a digitally signed order. The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 13/04/2026 at 20:35:30 CS(COMM) 355/2026 Page 15 of 23 This is a digitally signed order. The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 13/04/2026 at 20:35:30 35. It is stated that the impugned website blatantly imitates several elements of Plaintiff's official website and also provides two mobile numbers i.e. 9315375335 and 8527134491 through which it is promoting its illegal and fraudulent activities. Comparison of the information about residential and commercial projects on Plaintiff's site and the impugned website is as follows:- CS(COMM) 355/2026 Page 16 of 23 This is a digitally signed order. The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 13/04/2026 at 20:35:30 CS(COMM) 355/2026 Page 17 of 23 This is a digitally signed order. The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 13/04/2026 at 20:35:30 CS(COMM) 355/2026 Page 18 of 23 This is a digitally signed order. The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 13/04/2026 at 20:35:30 CS(COMM) 355/2026 Page 19 of 23 This is a digitally signed order. The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 13/04/2026 at 20:35:30 CS(COMM) 355/2026 Page 20 of 23 This is a digitally signed order. The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 13/04/2026 at 20:35:30 36. Having heard learned counsel for the Plaintiff and upon perusal of the CS(COMM) 355/2026 Page 21 of 23 This is a digitally signed order. The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 13/04/2026 at 20:35:30 documents, I am of the view that Plaintiff has made out a prima facie case for grant of ex parte ad interim injunction against the Defendants. Balance of convenience lies in favour of the Plaintiff and it is likely to suffer irreparable harm in case the interim injunction, as prayed for, is not granted. 37. Plaintiff is the registered proprietor of trademarks SIGNATUREGLOBAL/ and their formative marks and is the owner of copyright in the artistic work in the website and its logo. By virtue of Section 28 of the 1999 Act, Plaintiff is entitled to use the registered trademarks exclusively as also to restrain third parties from infringing them. Plaintiff is also entitled to protect its copyright and common law rights. Prima facie, Defendant No.1 is unauthorizedly using prominent part of the registered trademarks of the Plaintiff as part of its website and domain name. In fact, the word SIGNATURE is completely subsumed in the domain name of Defendant No.1. Defendant No. 1 is in the business of sale of residential and commercial infrastructure projects which is identical to the business/services of the Plaintiff and the consumer base being common, there is every likelihood of confusion. Defendant No. 1 has not only copied the prominent part of Plaintiff's trademarks but has also copied the artistic work in which Plaintiff has copyright for its website, including color combination and layout. It is evident that Defendant No. 1 is attempting to pass off its services as those of the Plaintiff, who has earned formidable reputation and goodwill in the real estate projects. The intent is clearly to make unlawful monetary gains by misrepresenting to the customers and members of the public that the residential and commercial projects offered for sale by Defendant No. 1 have an association with the Plaintiff. CS(COMM) 355/2026 Page 22 of 23 This is a digitally signed order. The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 13/04/2026 at 20:35:30 Prima facie Defendant No.1 is infringing the trademarks and copyright of the Plaintiff as also passing off its services and if injunction is not granted, irreparable damage will be caused to the goodwill and reputation of the Plaintiff. 38. Accordingly, till the next date of hearing, Defendant No.1 and its associates, business partners, legal heirs or any other person(s) are restrained from registering/operating/owning/hosting/publishing/advertising or in any manner dealing with any websites, domains, sub-domains, URLs, online platforms, landing pages, social media pages, mobile applications or digital listings that incorporate Plaintiff's registered trademarks SIGNATUREGLOBAL/ 'either as a standalone mark or in combination with any prefix, suffix, misspelt words, transliterations, representations, logos, device marks, domain names, meta-tags, keywords or any visually, structurally, phonetically or deceptively similar variation thereof, amounting to infringement of trademark and copyright and/or passing off. 39. Insofar as the relief against Defendant No.2 is concerned, learned counsel for the Plaintiff hands over copy of an email dated 31.03.2026 from Defendant No.2/HOSTINGER intimating that domain signaturegurugram.com has been suspended. Copy of the email is taken on record. 40. Plaintiff shall comply with the provisions of Order XXXIX Rule 3 CPC within two weeks from today. JYOTI SINGH, J APRIL 6, 2026/YA CS(COMM) 355/2026 Page 23 of 23 This is a digitally signed order. The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 13/04/2026 at 20:35:30
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