NEW DELHI: Hindustan Unilever heaved a sigh of relief as the Bombay high court gave an interim relief in the case with Emami involving HUL's rebranding of its skin cream for men Glow & Handsome. Reportedly, Emami had claimed that it already has a cream named Glow and Handsome.

Last week, HUL rebranded its best-selling range of products Fair & Lovely to Glow & Lovely. the men's fairness range was also renamed from Fair & Lovely to Glow & Handsome. Following this, Emami had responded with a legal action against the brand for copying its brand name Glow & Handsome.

The court has asked Emami to give seven days’ prior notice before striking a legal battle on the trademark.

According to reports, justice BP Colabwalla has ordered the notice after hearing an application filed by HUL under the Trade Marks Act seeking an injunction against Emami from issuing “groundless threats” in view of the use of its trademark Glow and Handsome.

HUL in its petition also sought at least seven days clear notice before Emami can initiate any legal proceedings against the company. HUL called Emami's threats of legal action 'groundless.'

The court observed, "Prima facie it does appear that having filed its trademark application in September 2018 and subsequently on 25 June 2020 for the mark ‘GLOW & HANDSOME’, the Plaintiff (HUL)is the prior adopter of the said mark".

The court also directed Emami to give HUL seven days prior written notice before initiating legal proceedings against it and posted the matter for further hearing on July 27.

“The statements made by the defendant (Emami) do amount to a threat, however, whether they are unlawful or groundless, that is something that will have to be decided after hearing both the sides,” the court further said as reported by a leading daily.

Follow Tellychakkar for the consumer facing news & entertainment