Bombay HC Restrains Use Of ‘Jio’ Trademark For Taxi Services, Grants Interim Relief To Reliance Industries

**Bombay High Court Grants Interim Injunction in Favor of Reliance Industries to Restrain Use of ‘JIO’ Trademark by Jiocabs**

Mumbai: The Bombay High Court has granted an interim injunction in favor of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), restraining certain parties from using its registered ‘JIO’ trademark for taxi services being offered under the domain name www.jiocabs.com.

**Prima Facie Case Established**

Justice Somasekhar Sundaresan, on Tuesday, granted the interim protection after observing that Reliance had established a strong prima facie case. The court highlighted that continued use of the well-known brand by unauthorized parties could cause serious harm to Reliance’s goodwill.

“The continued usage of a well-known and protected brand name would indeed cause grave injury,” the court noted. It further added that, “considering the mending of ways by the Defendants, even the balance of convenience would be in favour of grant of the ad-interim relief.”

**Arguments Presented by Reliance**

Vinod Bhahat, advocate representing Reliance, argued that the company is the registered proprietor of the ‘JIO’ mark, which is protected across multiple classes. Reliance contended that the use of the mark ‘Jiocabs’ and the associated domain name amounted to trademark infringement and passing off.

The website and its promotional material allegedly used names, logos, and artistic elements identical or deceptively similar to Reliance’s registered marks.

**History and Evidence**

RIL informed the court that it had adopted the JIO mark in 2016, with registrations dating back to 2011 and 2012. The company described the mark as a “well-known trademark,” supported by extensive evidence including screenshots, WhatsApp conversations, and promotional images illustrating active misuse of its brand identity.

**Defendants’ Conduct Noted**

Although the defendants had altered some content after receiving a legal notice, Reliance submitted that they continued to hold and operate the disputed domain name. This, Reliance argued, perpetuated confusion among consumers.

The court noted that despite being served, the defendants had not entered an appearance. However, they acknowledged that the defendants appeared to have “mended their approach” by shifting to a new name, though the domain www.jiocabs.com remained active.

**Interim Relief Granted**

After considering the rival marks, labels, and the conduct of the parties, the court held that an urgent interim order was justified. The bench restrained the defendants from using the ‘JIO’ mark, the impugned domain name, or any logos, labels, or artwork identical or deceptively similar to Reliance’s trademarks or copyrighted material.

**Next Hearing**

The defendants have been permitted to file their affidavit in reply within four weeks. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on November 28, 2025.

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https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/bombay-hc-restrains-use-of-jio-trademark-for-taxi-services-grants-interim-relief-to-reliance-industries