Macrotech Developers files a petition in the Bombay High Court to prevent HoABL from using the ‘Lodha’ trademark amid a family dispute
Macrotech Developers owned by Abhishek Lodha is in Bombay High Court for a temporary injunction, restraining Abhinandan Lodha’s House of Abhinandan Lodha from using the ‘Lodha’ brand. This legal process is due to the issues of Passing off and the cases of Using the name of the company owned by his younger brother Abhinandan Lodha.
The petition also requires a temporary injunction stopping HoABL from using any trademark, or logo that may lead to consumer confusion and association with Macrotech’s well-known brand. The case focuses on the ongoing hostility between the two brothers conducting their real estate businesses separately after a separation in 2015 based on a family agreement.
Brand Identity at Risk
Macrotech Developers points out that after 40 years of steady branding and hard work, the name Lodha is now firmly connected to their company and brand identity. The company says HoABL is breaking the law by keeping its trademark and confusing customers into thinking they have something in common. After multiple conversations failed to resolve things, Macrotech had to resort to taking them to court.
According to Macrotech’s lawyers, the Lodha brand has become well-known and distinct from others in the real estate market. Since Macrotech is publicly traded, big investors and charitable groups owning shares recognize the need to safeguard the company’s important intellectual property. They claim that sharing a name with another company could cause harm to their business and confuse their existing customers.
Family Dispute Escalates into Legal Battle
A business agreement between 2015 and 2017 turned brothers Abhishek and Abhinandan Lodha against each other, opening their real estate company. After that, Macrotech grew into the main Lodha company under Abhishek’s management, while Abhinandan started House of Abhinandan Lodha in 2021. The business started by his younger brother surged in recent years, primarily through selling land plots across various regions.
Even after their businesses were split, Abhinandan Lodha’s company continued using the Lodha name to promote its properties, mixing up buyers. Macrotech states that by using the same ‘Lodha’ name, potential homebuyers often get mixed up between HoABL’s developments and Macrotech’s real estate projects. The company’s global expansion approach demonstrates how its worldwide presence will both affect what people buy and their rights as consumers.
Macrotech’s Response and Future Plans
Macrotech Company’s legal team keeps fighting to defend their company brand’s worth and keep their customers believing in them. According to the petition filed, HoABL’s identical branding strategies make it hard for customers to recognize them apart, creating mixed-up feelings in shoppers. Macrotech aims to defend its well-crafted reputation by using established legal rights for original ideas.
Despite legal challenges, Lodha Group’s business led by Abhinandan Lodha continues to gain momentum. The demand for HoABL’s land plots is skyrocketing in the market. Through its expansion, the company has achieved significant growth by selling 12 million square feet of space across 16 markets, including the capital region, Mumbai, and the international markets of New York and London.
