In a significant recognition of brand strength and consumer trust, Starbucks, New Delhi Television (NDTV), and the Economic Times have been officially designated as “well-known trademarks” by the Indian Intellectual Property Office. This declaration was made in the Trade Marks Journal dated April 14, following applications submitted by the respective parent companies.
Alongside these prominent names, Matrix Cosmec Private Limited and T.T. (Rikhab Chand Jain) were also conferred with the same distinction.
According to the notification, these trademarks were previously published under Rule 124(4) of the Trade Marks Rules, 2017. No objections were raised during the stipulated period, or any objections submitted were later withdrawn, paving the way for their inclusion in the official list of well-known trademarks.
A “well-known” trademark enjoys enhanced legal protection under Indian intellectual property law, going beyond standard class-based restrictions. It safeguards brands from infringement and dilution, even in unrelated sectors where the trademark may not be currently used. This ensures broader market coverage and discourages misuse or misrepresentation by third parties.
The criteria for granting such status include:
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Longevity and geographic spread of use;
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Market presence and brand recognition;
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Commercial value and public perception;
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Judicial or regulatory acknowledgment as a well-known mark;
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Historical enforcement success in IP disputes.
The application process requires submission of detailed documentation, including marketing materials, sales data, consumer surveys, and legal rulings that support the brand’s prominence and distinctiveness.
Over the years, several global and domestic brands have received this recognition—ranging from tech leaders like Google and Apple to automotive giants such as Toyota and Mercedes-Benz, as well as FMCG, hospitality, and financial sector leaders.
The inclusion of Starbucks, NDTV, and Economic Times in this exclusive category underscores their significant cultural and commercial imprint on the Indian market.
