RNA, Technology and IP Attorneys

The Working Statement which patentees need to file every year continues to be a controversial subject. The frequent changes in the forms and varying stands of the patent office have added to the confusion.

Coronil, an ayurvedic drug (formulation of herbs and minerals) developed by Patanjali Ayurved that was initially promoted as a cure for the COVID-19 virus and later approved to be sold as an immunity booster to fight Coronavirus, has run into a controversy. A Chennai-based company Arudra Engineering (Arudra) filed a suit before the Madras High Court, alleging trademark infringement. Arudra sought an injunction restraining Patanjali Ayurved (Patanjali) and Divya Yog Mandir Trust, subsequently impleaded as a defendant, from using the mark "Coronil" or any deceptive variation.

COVID-19 has created an unprecedented crisis resulting in the Indian government clamping down on the movement of people, goods and services. This has had an impact on every facet of business and has encouraged consumers to focus on their health and well-being. With social distancing becoming the "new normal", the impact of coronavirus on brick-and-mortar stores during the lockdown phase and post lifting of stay-at-home orders is likely to be profound. It is expected that consumers will avoid close interaction and crowded places such as malls and supermarkets in times to come. Thus, in the short to medium term, consumers' shopping habits will witness a gradual but definite shift from brick and mortar stores to online portals and e-stores. Brands in India are therefore increasingly focusing on setting up their own e-stores, creating arrangements and partnerships with online portals. Big offline stores such as Future Group (Easy Day and Big Bazaar), Spencer's Retail, Metro Cash & Carry and Walmart's Best Price stores have increased efforts to service customers online, building a comprehensive model to deliver groceries and goods. Many stores have started to partner with food delivery platforms such as Swiggy, taxi-hailing app Uber Eats, and bike taxi startup Rapido. This article focuses on how brands' sudden shift to online will need a strategic focus in terms of building a brand protection strategy.