Samsonite Corporation v. Vijay Sales and Anr, FSR (2000) 463
FACTS
- Plaintiffs: The first plaintiff, Samsonite Corporation, is a company based in the United States. The second plaintiff, Samsonite India Pvt., Ltd., is a joint venture formed with Indian promoters.
- Defendants: The first defendant, Vijay Sales, is a stockist in Connaught Place, New Delhi. The second defendant is Blowplast India Ltd., and the third defendant is V.I.P. Industries Ltd.
- The plaintiffs alleged that the defendants:
- Infringed their copyright in drawings related to suitcases.
- Engaged in passing off by imitating the trade dress of Samsonite suitcases.
- They claimed that samsonite Corporation was a market leader known for manufacturing high-quality luggage, including soft and hard luggage, backpacks, and more.
- They claimed that the defendants copied their distinctive design elements and trade dress.
ISSUE
Was there design infringement and passing off of the plaintiff’s goods?
HELD
- The court found in favor of the plaintiffs.
- It held that the defendants had infringed the plaintiff’s copyright in drawings and were passing off their goods.
- The defendants were imitating the distinctive trade dress used by Samsonite for its suitcases.
- The court granted relief to Samsonite, restraining the defendants from using similar designs and trade dress.
Video Summary - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mcn08pivylU&list=PL-1DBVyVi7EaCojbQa5_XKBVJqA1y1REh&index=6