By Eastern Book Company
Copyright thehindu
The Delhi High Court has restrained Rupa Publications India Pvt. Ltd. from publishing or selling its red-and-black coat-pocket edition of the Constitution of India, noting that it was similar to the same book published by Eastern Book Company (EBC).
Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora passed the interim order on a suit filed by EBC, saying both publications make it “prima facie evident” that Rupa Publications’ trade dress or design was “deceptively similar” to the one adopted by EBC.
“The defendant (Rupa Publications) has adopted a similar colour scheme, text and font, gilt edging, book posteen colour, and embossed gold detailing. Considering, that the plaintiffs and the defendant operate in the same line of business, utilise identical trade channels, and cater to the same class of customers, there exists a strong likelihood of confusion,” the court said in its September 25 order.
“To an unwary consumer of average intelligence and imperfect recollection, the trade dress of the defendant’s impugned coat-pocket editions is likely to appear identical to that of the plaintiffs’ coat-pocket editions. Such a similarity is likely to mislead consumers regarding the source or origin of the said products,” the order said.
The court restrained Rupa Publications from manufacturing, publishing, marketing, selling, or advertising its red-and-black coat-pocket edition of the Constitution by itself or by franchisees, dealers, distributors, or agents.
It further directed Rupa Publications to remove and recall all its unsold inventory of the edition from the market, and also remove its listings from all e-commerce platforms within two weeks and posted the matter for February 25, 2026.
