Delhi High Court Declares CALPOL Well-Known Trademark

The Delhi High Court has declared GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Limited’s “CALPOL” trademark a well-known mark in respect of medicinal and pharmaceutical products. The ruling came in an infringement suit against Walter Healthcare over its use of the similar mark “WALPOL”.

Justice Jyoti Singh delivered the oral judgment on May 15, 2026. The court found that CALPOL satisfied the criteria under Sections 11(6) and 11(7) of the Trade Marks Act, 1999, based on its extensive recognition, goodwill, and use since 1965. The mark is registered for pharmaceutical preparations and remains valid until 2027.

During the proceedings, the defendant agreed to permanently abandon the WALPOL mark, withdraw its trademark application, and pay Rs 2 lakh in damages to GSK. The court restrained further use of the deceptively similar mark.

The decision reinforces protection for established pharmaceutical brands against look-alike marks in India. Well-known status provides broader safeguards against dilution and unauthorized use across classes.

Sources: https://ssrana.in/articles/delhi-high-court-declares-gsks-calpol-a-well-known-trademark/ https://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/delhi-high-court-declares-fever-tablet-calpol-a-well-known-trademark