Delhi High Court Refuses Stay on Google Hindware Keyword Ruling

The Delhi High Court division bench on or around September 1, 2026, refused to stay its single-judge judgment that found Google LLC and Google India liable for trademark infringement. The underlying ruling held that Google infringed Hindware Limited’s registered trademark by allowing competitors to bid on “HINDWARE” and related terms as keywords in its advertising platform.

The single-judge decision permanently restrained Google from permitting use of the mark or variants as advertising keywords and awarded nominal damages of ₹30 lakh. The bench noted that Google’s platform enabled the display of competitor sites when users searched for Hindware, potentially creating confusion.

Google had sought a stay pending final disposal of its appeal, arguing the ruling departed from prior precedents and global practices. The division bench listed the appeal for final disposal without granting interim relief and left all issues open.

The case stems from suits filed after Hindware discovered competitors purchasing its mark as keywords, resulting in sponsored links appearing above organic results for its products.

Sources: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/company/corporate-trends/trademark-case-hc-refuses-to-stay-order-against-google/articleshow/132320007.cms https://www.livelaw.in/high-court/delhi-high-court/google-appeal-trademark-infringement-through-keyword-advertising-hindware-case-540652