In a significant development in a high-profile franchise dispute, the Delhi High Court has issued an ex parte ad interim injunction restraining Franchise India Brands Limited and Ichakdana Food Services LLP from using the trademarks ‘Rasna’ or ‘Rasna Buzz’. The order comes in response to a suit filed by industrialist Piruz Khambatta and Rasna Pvt. Ltd., who alleged unauthorized use and continued exploitation of their well-known brand after the termination of a licensing agreement.
The order, passed by Justice Saurabh Banerjee on May 9, 2025, found that the defendants were operating and promoting ‘Rasna Buzz’ outlets without a valid license or any authorization from Rasna. The Court noted that such conduct amounted to trademark infringement and could potentially mislead the public, particularly as the matter concerned edible goods.
“The plaintiffs have made out a prima facie case. Allowing the defendants to continue passing off their products as that of the plaintiffs is likely to cause irreparable loss, harm, and injury,” Justice Banerjee stated in the order.
Rasna Pvt. Ltd. claimed that it has been a leading and widely recognized brand in the Indian food and beverage industry since the 1970s, holding registered trademarks across multiple classes, along with copyrights for associated artistic elements. In 2018, the company had entered into a business relationship with the defendants through a Work Order and Master License Agreement to expand ‘Rasna Buzz’, a café and mocktail bar concept, across India.
However, the plaintiffs alleged that disputes soon emerged over unpaid franchise fees, outstanding royalty dues, and a lack of financial transparency. These issues led to the decision not to renew the agreement once it expired. Despite this, the defendants allegedly continued to launch and market new ‘Rasna Buzz’ outlets—most recently in March 2025—without any consent or valid rights.
Accepting the submissions made by Rasna’s legal team, the Court ordered a complete restraint on the use of the marks. The injunction prevents the defendants, their associates, and anyone acting on their behalf from advertising, marketing, operating, or franchising any outlet under the ‘Rasna’ or ‘Rasna Buzz’ name. It also bars them from using any mark deceptively similar to those of the plaintiffs or claiming any form of affiliation with Rasna Pvt. Ltd.
Justice Banerjee emphasized that since the dispute pertains to consumable products, greater scrutiny and caution are required to prevent consumer confusion and protect public interest.
The matter is now scheduled for the next hearing in September 2025.
Piruz Khambatta and Rasna Pvt. Ltd. were represented by Advocates Saif Khan, Shobhit Agarwal, Meghana Kudligi, and Prajjwal Kushwaha from the law firm Anand & Anand.
This ruling marks a crucial step in protecting established brands from unauthorized exploitation in the competitive F&B franchise market.
