Delhi High Court - Orders
Verizon Trademark Services Llc & Ors vs Verizon Projects Interior Designers & ... on 5 January, 2026
Author: Tushar Rao Gedela
Bench: Tushar Rao Gedela
$~14
* IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI
+ CS(COMM) 1/2026
VERIZON TRADEMARK SERVICES LLC & ORS. .....Plaintiffs
Through: Mr. Pravin Anand, Ms. Vaishali Mittal
and Mr. Shivang Sharma, Advocates.
versus
VERIZON PROJECTS INTERIOR DESIGNERS & ORS
....Defendants
Through: None.
CORAM:
HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE TUSHAR RAO GEDELA
ORDER
% 05.01.2026
I.A. 7/2026 (Exemption)
1. This is an application under Section 151 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (hereinafter referred to as "CPC") seeking exemption from filing clearer copies of dim documents.
2. For the reasons stated therein the application is allowed, subject to all just exceptions.
3. The proper typed copies of the said documents may be filed within a period of six weeks from date.
I.A. 9/2026 (under Section 12A of the Commercial Courts Act, 2015)
4. This is an application under Section 12A of the Commercial Courts Act 2015 (hereinafter referred to as "CC Act") seeking exemption from instituting Pre-Litigation Mediation.
5. Since, the applicant/plaintiff seeks urgent ex parte ad interim reliefs, in view of the judgment of the Supreme Court in Yamini Manohar vs. T.K.D. Krithi: 2023 SCC online SC 1382, exemption from the requirement of Pre- Litigation Mediation is granted.
CS(COMM) 1/2026 Page 1 of 11This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 06/01/2026 at 20:32:58
6. The application stands disposed of.
I.A. 6/2026 (under Order XI Rule 1 of CPC)
7. This is an application under Order XI Rule 1 read with Section 151 of CPC seeking relief of filing additional documents.
8. For the reasons stated therein the application is allowed.
9. The applicant/plaintiff is permitted to file additional documents in accordance with the CC Act and the Delhi High Court (Original Site) Rules 2018 within the time period stipulated thereunder. Copies thereof be also furnished to the defendants.
10. The application stands disposed of.
I.A. 10/2026 (Exemption to file certain documents in CD/Pen Drive)
11. This is an application under section 151 of CPC seeking permission to file and place on record certain documents in Compact Disk/Pen Drive since the documents cumulatively exceed 2,000 pages.
12. For the reasons noted above the application is allowed. The documents, as prayed, be filed in Compact Disk /Pen Drive within four weeks' from date.
13. The application stands disposed of.
I.A. 5/2026 (under Order XI Rule 2 of CPC)
14. This is an application under Order XI Rule 2 (as amended by the CC 2015) read with Section 151 of CPC for issuance of interrogatories to the defendants.
15. Issue notice.
16. Notice be served through all permissible modes upon filing of the process fee within one week.
I.A. 8/2026 (Extension of time to deposit court fees) CS(COMM) 1/2026 Page 2 of 11 This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 06/01/2026 at 20:32:58
17. This is an application under section 149 read with section 151 of the CPC seeking extension of time to deposit the court fees and the process fee.
18. For the reasons stated, the application is allowed.
19. As prayed, the applicant/plaintiff is granted 5 days time to affix appropriate/deficit court fee and deposit the process fee.
20. The application stands disposed of.
CS(COMM) 1/2026
21. The plaintiffs claim to be a part of the VERIZON group of companies and state that they are among the world's leading providers of, inter alia, communications, entertainment, information technology, and security products and services. The plaintiffs further claim that they own and operate one of the most expansive end-to-end global Internet Protocol (IP) networks serving more than 2,700 cities in over 150 countries worldwide, including India. The plaintiffs also claim that their business operations are far-reaching and their success is represented by the colossal revenue the plaintiffs generate, with revenues in the year 2024 alone amounting to approximately USD 134 billion.
22. The plaintiffs claim that the plaintiffs' group of companies is known as the leading player in the field of communications, information technology, and integrated digital solutions. They also state that their communications, information technology and security services are availed by large businesses and government agencies, including 99% of the Fortune 500, across the world, including in India.
23. It is the case of the plaintiffs that they coined and adopted the mark 'VERIZON' in the year 2000, and since then, the plaintiffs have been using the said mark continuously not only as a trademark with respect to their various goods and services, but also as the prominent and operative part of CS(COMM) 1/2026 Page 3 of 11 This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 06/01/2026 at 20:32:58 their corporate names, as well as the names of their various subsidiaries operating in various countries.
24. The plaintiffs state that the plaintiffs' trademark VERIZON is a coined trademark, which has no meaning in common parlance or in the relevant industry, apart from denoting the goods and services of the plaintiffs. Therefore, the use of the trademark and trade name VERIZON or any other trademark deceptively similar thereto on products and services of third-party entities is bound to create an impression in the minds of consumers and members of the trade alike that such products or services emanate from the plaintiffs, or are in some way associated with the plaintiffs.
25. The plaintiffs further state that the term "Verizon" is a coined term, and the plaintiffs have invested significant resources in protecting their statutory rights associated with this trademark. The plaintiff further submits that recognizing the plaintiffs' rights, goodwill and reputation associated with the mark, this Court, vide the judgment dated 11.07.2023 in Verizon Trademark Services LLC & Ors. vs. Vikash Kumar; CS (Comm) 220/2023, declared VERIZON to be a 'well-known' trademark as per Section 2(1)(zg) of the Trade Marks Act, 1999.
26. In India, the plaintiffs claim to have filed the following trademark applications, several of which have proceeded to registration under the provisions of the Trade Marks Act, 1999. The same is extracted hereunder:-
S Trademark Class Regn.No. Date of
No. Regn.
1 VERIZON 09 907928 March 06,
2000
2 VERIZON 16 907929 March 06,
2000
3 VERIZON 35 1238068 September
18, 2003
CS(COMM) 1/2026 Page 4 of 11
This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 06/01/2026 at 20:32:58 4 VERIZON 36 1238069 September 18, 2003 5 VERIZON 37 1238070 September 18, 2003 6 VERIZON 38 1238071 September 18, 2003 7 VERIZON 41 1238072 September 18, 2003 8 VERIZON 42 1238067 September 18, 2003 9 VERIZON 9,14,16,28, 1405272 December 35,38,42 07, 2005 10 9,14,16,18, 3068612* October 1, 24,25,28,35, 2015 36,37,38,39, 41,42,43,45 11 16 963161 October 12, 2000 12 09 963160 October 12, 2000 13 35 1240036 September 26, 2003 14 36 1240037 September 26, 2003 15 37 1240038 September 26, 2003 16 38 1240039 September 26, 2003 17 41 1240040 September 26, 2003 18 36 1238079 September 18, 2003 19 41 1238077 September 18, 2003 20 38 1238076 September 18, 2003 21 42 1238078 September 18, 2003 CS(COMM) 1/2026 Page 5 of 11 This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 06/01/2026 at 20:32:58 22 37 September 1238080 18, 2003 23 35 1238081 September 18, 2003 *A clarification has been submitted and a re-issuance of the certificate has been requested because the original certificate contained misspelled words in the sub-head 'Goods & Service Details'.
27. The plaint enumerates a list of various legal proceedings in which this Court had protected the trademark of the plaintiffs as also declared their trademark as a well-known trademark. The plaintiffs claim to have become aware of the existence of defendant no.1 and the infringing activities around the fourth week of July 2025, when it was discovered that the defendant no.1 has a registration for the domain name www.verizonprojects.co.in. It is claimed that it is an active website under which the defendant no.1 promotes its alleged services under the names 'VERIZON Projects' and its variants. The plaintiffs claim that on a further inquiry it was revealed that the defendant no.1 was offering salon and spa services under the impugned mark VERIZON and representing itself as 'VERIZON Projects'. It is claimed that the defendant no.1 was also advertising and offering its interior designing and allied services under the impugned mark 'VERIZON Projects'. The due diligence carried out is claimed to confirm that the defendant no.1 dishonestly and sans authorization was using the plaintiffs' well-known and registered trademarks VERIZON as a dominant and distinctive domain name and online presence.
28. A cease and desist notice dated 25.07.2025 was also issued to defendant no.1. The plaintiffs claim that despite best efforts the said notice could not be served upon the defendant no.1 either by courier or email. However, the contents of the notice are stated to have been communicated to defendant no.1 through alternate electronic means including WhatsApp on CS(COMM) 1/2026 Page 6 of 11 This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 06/01/2026 at 20:32:58 mobile no.(+91) 7795753209, which is said to have been successfully delivered on 14.08.2025.
29. The plaintiffs claim that one Mr. Shashank responded on 18.08.2025 and disclaimed the contents of the cease and desist notice served on him. It is also claimed that while the said Mr. Shashank stated that he was into the business of providing interior designing and related services, he had no relation to VERIZON Projects. It is further stated that on 05.09.2025, the said Mr. Shashank, vide his email address viz. [email protected], sent a communication denying ownership or control of the impugned website. The plaintiffs state that the said denial does not explain the public representation or the use of the impugned mark or the ownership and control of the impugned domain name, leading to the filing of the present suit.
30. It is also stated that despite the aforesaid email communication from Mr. Shashank Kumar, the website is still active and defendant no.1 appears to be indulging in infringing activities as specified in the suit plaint.
31. It is in the aforesaid circumstances that the plaintiffs have approached this Court by means of the present suit seeking permanent injunction restraining defendant no.1, its partners, agents, employees, and all others acting for or on their behalf, or in concert with them, as the case may be, from providing, marketing, selling, offering, or making for sale, any goods or services, or in any manner using the trademarks and trade names 'VERIZON', 'VERIZON PROJECTS', 'VERIZON PROJECTS INTERIOR DESIGNERS' and/or its variants, including but not limited to, its website (www.verizonprojects.co.in) and any other mark, name, label, logo, device, or trade designation containing the term VERIZON or any other mark deceptively similar to the plaintiffs' well-known VERIZON trademarks, amounting to infringement of the plaintiffs registered trademarks bearing nos.1238071, 1405272, 3068612, 1240039, 1238076 amongst others.
CS(COMM) 1/2026 Page 7 of 11This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 06/01/2026 at 20:32:58 Ancillary reliefs of declaration, rendition of account, delivery up, cost and damages are also sought.
32. In these circumstances, let the plaint be registered as a suit.
33. Issue summons of the suit by all permissible modes upon filing the process fee within one week.
34. Written statements accompanied by affidavits of admission and denial of the documents of the plaintiffs be filed by the defendants within 30 days with an advance copy to the learned counsel of the plaintiffs, without which the written statements shall not be taken on record.
35. The plaintiffs are permitted, if so required, to file replications thereto accompanied by affidavit of admission or denial of documents of the defendants, within 30 days from date of service, without which the replications shall not be taken on record.
36. List before the learned Joint Registrar (Judicial) for completion of the pleadings, admission and denial of documents and marking of exhibits on 16.02.2026, whereafter the matter would be placed before the Court for case management hearing and further proceedings.
I.A. 4/2026 (under Order XXXIX Rules 1 and 2 of CPC)
37. This is an application filed by the applicant/plaintiff under Order XXXIX Rules 1 and 2 of the CPC seeking ad interim, injunctive reliefs.
38. From the perusal of the plaint it is apparent that not only the mark of the applicant/plaintiffs is registered in India but also in more than 200 countries across the world.
39. A perusal of the judgment dated 11.07.2023 titled Verizon Trademark Services LLC & Ors. vs. Vikash Kumar, CS(Comm) 220/2023, brings to fore that the trademark of the plaintiff 'VERIZON' has been declared to be a well- known trademark. That apart, the plaint also enumerates the list of domain CS(COMM) 1/2026 Page 8 of 11 This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 06/01/2026 at 20:32:58 names which include the expression 'VERIZON' which are already reproduced above.
40. The plaint also refers to the impugned mark stated to be infringing the plaintiffs' trademark as also the domain name. It is also alleged that the defendants are passing off their activities and services as being associated with or endorsed by the plaintiff. In order to appreciate the concern of the plaintiff it would be apposite to extract the impugned mark hereunder:-
41. Even the domain name used by the defendants, namely, www.verizonprojects.co.in, appears to be deceptively similar. Prima facie, it appears from the comparison of both the mark and the domain name, that the defendant no.1 has not only used the mark 'VERIZON' but also has the mark 'VERIZON' in its domain name without any authorisation.
42. Though a cease and desist notice dated 25.07.2025 was also issued by the applicant/plaintiffs and despite one Mr. Shashank Kumar responding to the same and denying any relation with the defendant no.1, the plaintiff alleges continuity of infringing activities even as on date.
43. In view of the above, and after having perused the contents of the plaint etc., this Court is of the prima facie view that a case of infringement as well as passing off, so far as the defendants are concerned, is clearly made out.
44. Having regard also to the fact that the mark of the plaintiff is registered in India, coupled with the recognition as a well-known trademark by this Court in Verizon Trademark Services LLC (supra), the balance of convenience also appears to be in favour of the applicant/plaintiff.
45. Apparently the applicant/plaintiffs are likely to suffer irreparable loss and injury which may not be completely compensated in monetary terms.
CS(COMM) 1/2026 Page 9 of 11This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 06/01/2026 at 20:32:58
46. For the time being, Mr. Praveen Anand, learned counsel for the applicant/plaintiffs restricts his reliefs to prayer (a), (b) and (e) which are without prejudice to other reliefs sought in the present application.
47. Mr. Praveen Anand has also referred to the orders dated 24.02.2023 and 28.11.2024 passed by this Court in CS COMM 105/2023 and CS COMMM 1056/2024, whereby not only relief of ex parte interim injunctions were passed, even the Domain Name Registrar was directed to, (i) forthwith suspend the domain names www.verizonglobal.in and www.verizconsulting.com and to keep the domain name suspended till the next date of hearing ; (ii) the Domain Name Registrar was directed to disclose to the Court the details of the registrants of the domain names and (iii) the defendants were also directed to ensure that the domain names continue to remain suspended till the next date of hearing.
48. Accordingly, and in view of the aforesaid, till the next date of hearing, the following directions are passed:
i) Defendant no.1, its partners, agents, employees, and all other persons acting for or on their behalf, are restrained from providing, marketing, selling, offering, or making for sale, or rendering any goods or services, or in any manner using the marks or trade names, trademarks and trade name 'VERIZON', 'VERIZON PROJECTS', 'VERIZON PROJECTS INTERIOR DESIGNERS', and/ or from using any other mark which is deceptively similar or identical to the plaintiff's trademark.
ii) Defendant no.2 is directed, forthwith, to suspend the domain name www.verizonprojects.co.in and to keep the domain name suspended till the next date of hearing.
iii) Defendant no.1 is directed to cease all unauthorized use of plaintiffs' VERIZON trademarks and take down all infringing materials, online CS(COMM) 1/2026 Page 10 of 11 This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 06/01/2026 at 20:32:58 and offline, including but not limited to sign boards, stationery materials, wall hangings, bank account/UPI details containing the mark 'VERIZON'.
iv) Defendant nos. 2 and 3 are directed, forthwith, to takedown and disable access to the impugned website www.verizonprojects.co.in ;
v) Defendant 3 is also directed to disclose, to this Court, the details of the registrants of the aforesaid domain name www.verizonprojects.co.in.
49. Let the plaintiffs comply with the requirement of Order XXXIX Rule 3 of the CPC within one week from today.
TUSHAR RAO GEDELA, J JANUARY 5, 2026 sumit/rl CS(COMM) 1/2026 Page 11 of 11 This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 06/01/2026 at 20:32:58