The Bombay High Court has once again restricted US-based IT giant Cognizant from using its logo in India. This decision follows a long-running trademark battle with Bengaluru-based Atyati Technologies Pvt. Ltd. The ruling has reignited discussions around intellectual property rights, corporate branding, and the legal challenges multinational companies face when operating in India.
Court’s Latest Ruling
In its most recent order, a division bench comprising Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep V. Marne reinstated an earlier injunction from March 19, 2024, which prevents Cognizant from using its disputed logo in India. This ruling overturned a single-judge order from June 13, 2024, that had temporarily allowed Cognizant to continue using its branding while the trademark case was still under trial.
The latest decision reflects the court’s view that until the matter is fully adjudicated, Cognizant must not use the logo in question. The reinstated ban will remain in effect until the conclusion of the lawsuit filed by Atyati Technologies.
How the Dispute Began
Atyati Technologies, a Bengaluru-based firm, filed the trademark infringement lawsuit in 2023. The company alleged that Cognizant’s blue hexagonal logo was deceptively similar to its own design—a honeycomb-shaped, slightly tilted orange logo introduced in 2019. According to Atyati, the resemblance could cause confusion among customers and stakeholders, thereby infringing on its intellectual property rights.
Cognizant, on the other hand, argued that its logo had been in use globally since 2022, well before Atyati initiated legal proceedings. The multinational IT services provider also maintained that its global reputation and prior publicity of its brand design should be sufficient grounds to dismiss the claims of infringement.
Timeline of Events
The case has taken several twists and turns over the past year, highlighting the complex and layered nature of trademark disputes.
- March 19, 2024: The Bombay High Court initially granted Atyati’s plea for an injunction, preventing Cognizant from using its logo in India.
- June 13, 2024: A single-judge bench lifted the injunction, citing Cognizant’s prior international usage and significant brand recognition.
- August 2025: A division bench reviewed the matter and reinstated the March injunction, effectively halting Cognizant’s ability to use its logo in India once more.
The division bench emphasized that the single-judge order lacked sufficient reasoning to override the original injunction. By reinstating the ban, the court signaled its commitment to ensuring that potential trademark violations are carefully examined before granting relief to multinational corporations.
Cognizant’s Response
Following the reinstated ban, Cognizant issued a statement acknowledging the ruling while clarifying that the order is interim in nature. The company expressed its intent to explore all available legal remedies and continue challenging the decision through proper judicial channels.
For Cognizant, the stakes are high. India represents a major hub for its global operations, employing tens of thousands of professionals across multiple cities. Branding is integral to its contracts, recruitment, marketing, and client communication, meaning any restriction on logo usage could disrupt business continuity.
Operational and Branding Challenges
The injunction presents practical challenges for Cognizant in India. Without access to its logo, the company may face hurdles in:
- Client communications: Contracts, invoices, and official correspondence typically carry brand identifiers, and these may need temporary redesigns.
- Digital presence: Websites, portals, and mobile apps catering to Indian clients could require immediate modifications.
- Recruitment and HR: Job postings, offer letters, and employee materials often rely on official branding, which now must be withheld or altered.
- Marketing campaigns: Events, advertisements, and sponsorships may be paused or rebranded to comply with the court’s order.
These disruptions underscore the importance of trademark clarity in markets where multiple players may operate with similar design concepts.
Broader Implications for Trademark Law in India
Legal experts note that this case highlights the increasing scrutiny surrounding intellectual property rights in India. With the country emerging as a key hub for both domestic and international technology firms, disputes over brand identity are becoming more frequent.
The Bombay High Court’s decision sends a message that Indian courts are willing to safeguard local companies’ intellectual property rights, even against multinational corporations with global presence. It also emphasizes the need for businesses entering India to conduct thorough trademark checks before launching branding initiatives.
For startups and mid-sized companies like Atyati Technologies, this ruling offers reassurance that the legal system provides protection against potential overshadowing by global giants.
What Lies Ahead
The reinstated injunction is interim in nature, meaning it is not the final word in this legal battle. The case will continue to be heard, and a final ruling will determine whether Cognizant can permanently use its logo in India or must rebrand within the country.
Atyati has urged the court for a swift resolution, arguing that prolonged litigation only increases the risk of market confusion. Cognizant, on the other hand, is expected to push for a more comprehensive review, emphasizing its international brand presence and prior use.
The outcome of this case will be closely watched, not only by the IT industry but also by businesses across sectors. The ruling may set a precedent for how Indian courts balance local trademark claims against multinational corporate interests.
Key Takeaways
- Cognizant is barred from using its logo in India until the case concludes.
- The Bombay High Court reinstated an earlier injunction from March 2024.
- The dispute began when Atyati Technologies alleged that Cognizant’s logo was too similar to its own.
- The case underscores the growing importance of trademark protection in India.
- Businesses operating in India may need to exercise greater caution in branding and logo design.
Conclusion
The ongoing Cognizant–Atyati case is more than just a corporate dispute—it is a reflection of India’s evolving intellectual property landscape. As the Indian market continues to grow in importance for global corporations, safeguarding brand identity has become a legal and strategic priority.
While Cognizant faces immediate operational challenges due to the ban, the final verdict could reshape how multinational firms approach branding in India. Until then, the company will need to adapt, while the broader business community watches closely to see how one of India’s most high-profile trademark disputes unfolds.