New Delhi, September 8, 2025 — In a legal win for Cognizant Technology Solutions, the Supreme Court of India has granted interim relief to the IT services giant by allowing it to continue using its iconic hexagonal logo in India. This action temporarily stays a Bombay High Court order that had barred the company from displaying the logo amid a trademark dispute with Bengaluru-based fintech firm Atyati Technologies.
What the Court Ordered
- Interim Relief Granted: The Supreme Court reinstated Cognizant’s right to use the hexagonal logo while the dispute continues through the courts.
- Stay on HC Order: The previous ban issued by a Bombay HC Division Bench has been stayed.
- Timeline to Resolution: The case will be decided on its merits by a Single Judge of the Bombay High Court within six months.
The Backstory: Clash Over Brand Identity
- Atyati’s Claim: The fintech firm alleges that Cognizant’s honeycomb-style hexagonal mark infringes its registered “ATYATI” device mark, filed in 2023 and reportedly used since 2019.
- High Court’s Timeline:
- March 2024: Cognizant was initially restrained from using the logo via interim order.
- June 2024: A single judge lifted the ban, citing cognizance of earlier use.
- August 2025: A Division Bench reinstated the injunction, siding partially with Atyati.
What Cognizant Did Next
Following the Bombay HC order, Cognizant omitted the logo from its Indian website and social media platforms—including LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and YouTube—opting to use plain text branding in its place.
What the Court Said
Justices Dipankar Datta and R. Mahadevan noted the Division Bench’s ruling contained procedural flaws and remanded the case back to a Single Judge. The SC emphasized that the injunction must be evaluated on substance—not influenced by prior orders—and hastled the resolution timeline.
Why the Verdict Matters
- Brand Continuity: Global branding investments can be protected during legal disputes—important for multinational firms like Cognizant that rely heavily on consistent identity.
- IP Rights Framework: The judgment may clarify how trademark law balances newer startups’ claims versus established proprietary marks.
- Legal Clarity & Speed: The six-month directive sets expectations for expedited judicial processes in high-stakes IP cases.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Court | Supreme Court |
| Decision | Stay on Bombay HC injunction; logo usage permitted temporarily |
| Reason | Error in division bench ruling; merits must be assessed properly |
| Next Steps | Single Judge at Bombay HC to rule on merits within six months |
| Impact | Business continuity for Cognizant; signals prompt IP adjudication |