New Delhi, August 14, 2024
In a landmark decision, the Delhi High Court has settled a long-standing legal dispute between two iconic brands: Lacoste and Crocodile International. The battle over trademark rights has finally come to an end, with Justice Narula delivering a judgment in favor of Lacoste.
The Hon’ble Delhi High Court on August 14, 2024, granted a permanent injunction for infringement against Crocodile International, restraining them from using the contested mark. The Hon’ble Court also ordered the Crocodile to remit the full litigation cost to Lacoste, as a punitive measure.
The conflict centered around the use of a crocodile logo by both Lacoste and Crocodile International. Lacoste, a renowned French brand, has been synonymous with its signature crocodile emblem since the 1930s. The little green crocodile adorns Lacoste’s polo shirts, sportswear, and other clothing items, making it instantly recognizable worldwide.
However, Crocodile International, a Singapore-based company, also used a similar crocodile logo. The dispute arose when both brands sought exclusive rights to their respective crocodile trademarks in various markets, including China and other parts of Asia.
The Legal Battle
René Lacoste, the famous French tennis player nicknamed “Le Crocodile,” created the crocodile logo for Lacoste’s polo shirts. The brand’s success led to international recognition, and Lacoste applied for trademark registration in China in 1980.
In other Asian markets, Crocodile International had already registered a reverse image of the crocodile logo. Coexistence agreements were signed between Lacoste and Crocodile International, allowing both trademarks to exist in specific countries and regions.
When Lacoste entered the Chinese market in 1984, it discovered that Crocodile International had also expressed interest in the mainland market. Disputes over trademark infringement ensued.