Pune's well-known 'Burger King' restaurant has emerged victorious in a legal battle against the U.S.-based 'Burger King Corporation' over the use of the name and logo.
The U.S. corporation had not used its logo in India for nearly 30 years, while Pune’s 'Burger King' continued to operate under the same name.
Acknowledging this, the U.S. corporation has withdrawn its lawsuit, confirming that Pune’s 'Burger King' has been using the name and logo legally and without any intent to deceive.
The legal dispute began when the U.S. 'Burger King Corporation' filed a civil suit against Anahita and Shapoor Irani, owners of the 'Burger King' restaurant in Pune's Koregaon Park and Camp areas.
The U.S. company sought an injunction to permanently prevent Pune’s 'Burger King' from using the trademark, claiming trademark infringement and demanding compensation. The case was heard by District Judge Sunil Vedpathak, who ruled in favor of Pune's 'Burger King.'
According to the U.S. corporation, 'Burger King' was established in 1954 by James McLamore and David Edgerton in Florida, USA. Since then, it has grown into a global fast-food chain with over 13,000 outlets in more than 100 countries.
The corporation began operations in India in 2014, opening its first outlet in New Delhi, followed by locations in Mumbai and Pune.
In 2008, the U.S. corporation discovered that a restaurant with the same name was already operating in Pune. In June 2009, the U.S. company sent a legal notice to Pune’s 'Burger King,' requesting it to cease operations and proposing an amicable resolution.
However, no settlement was reached, leading to the legal dispute that has now been resolved in favor of Pune’s 'Burger King.'
