Delhi High Court Declares ‘WIPRO’ a Well-Known Trademark Under Indian Law
The Delhi High Court has officially recognised ‘WIPRO’ as a well-known trademark under Section 2(1)(zg) of the Trade Marks Act, 1999. This recognition affirms Wipro’s long-standing reputation, wide market presence, and exclusive association with Wipro Enterprises Private Limited.
Justice Tejas Karia, while ruling in favour of the company in Wipro Enterprises Pvt. Ltd. vs Shivam Udhyog, observed that the ‘WIPRO’ mark had undeniably achieved the status of a well-known trademark through decades of consistent use and public recognition.
The case arose when Shivam Udhyog attempted to register the mark “SHIVAM UDHYOG WIPRO WIRE MESH” under Class 6. After receiving summons from the Court, the defendants withdrew their trademark application and undertook not to use Wipro’s name or any similar mark in the future.
In view of this, Wipro agreed not to pursue damages or costs, provided the Court restrained any further misuse and declared its brand as a well-known trademark — a request the Court accepted.
Wipro informed the Court that it was founded in 1945 as Western India Vegetable Products Limited by M.H. Hasham Premji, and the mark ‘WIPRO’ has been in continuous use since 1977, especially for consumer care and lighting products. Over time, the company expanded into IT, healthcare, engineering, and several other industries, becoming one of India’s most trusted corporate brands.
The company also presented its extensive trademark registrations — both in India (across multiple classes such as 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 16, 20, 29, 30, 35, 37, 40, and 42) and in countries like the US, UK, EU, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Malaysia, and Mexico.
To support its claim, Wipro submitted evidence showing:
- A cumulative turnover of ₹60,775.6 crore between FY 1994–95 and FY 2023–24
- Annual revenue of ₹5,055.9 crore in FY 2023–24
- Promotional expenditure of ₹8,800 crore, including ₹702.2 crore in FY 2023–24 alone
The company also highlighted its numerous awards, global recognition, and media presence that made ‘WIPRO’ synonymous with quality and innovation.
After reviewing the records, Justice Karia noted that Wipro’s continuous use of the mark for nearly five decades, its international reputation, and heavy investment in marketing firmly established it as a well-known mark deserving statutory protection.
The Court, therefore, issued a permanent injunction preventing others from using the mark and formally declared ‘WIPRO’ a well-known trademark under Indian law.
Wipro Enterprises was represented by Advocates Ankur Sangal, Ankit Arvind, and Sauhard Alung from Khaitan & Co.
