Bombay High Court has suggested an alternate dispute resolution method as a route to resolve the trademark dispute between Abhishek Lodha and Abhinandan Lodha on Monday. The HC bench of Justice Arif Doctor pointed out that since the clash between the two brothers arises from a family dispute, it would be beneficial to consider mediation rather than going for a legal battle in the court.
“If it is agreeable I propose to give two weeks and I will appoint a mediator either by consent (among the parties) or otherwise, a mediator,” said Justice Arif Doctor, according to the Hindu report.
Bombay HC’s proposal to mediate has come days after Abhishek Lodha-led Macrotech Developers filed a case against Abhinandan Lodha-headed House of Abhinandan Lodha (HoABL) over trademark violation. Macrotech sought an injunction from the Bombay HC in the case and a permanent restraining order against the companies as well as the people associated with it, including directors, shareholders and associates from using the ‘Lodha’ trademark. Additionally, Marcotech also demanded Rs 5,000 crore in damages and destruction of any materials carrying the infringing trademark.
“Our shareholders include the world’s most renowned investors and one of India’s largest charitable entities. We are duty-bound to protect our company’s valuable rights,” a Macrotech spokesperson told the Mint.
The brothers are yet to tell the Bombay HC whether they’ll take the mediation route or not.
Senior Advocate Darius Khambata, who is representing Macrotech in the case, claimed that the Lodha brand name has been used by Abhinandan Lodha despite two previous settlements in 2017 and 2023, where the latter agreed to refrain from using the trademark.
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Lodha Vs Lodha
The issue has cracked open the long-standing dispute between the two brothers that first originated in 2015 after their split, with certain fresh allegations. Earlier, after a long tussle over family business, the Lodha Group was divided with Abhishek Lodha given the responsibility to manage the real estate venture and Abhinandan Lodha took charge of the financial services business.
Last year in September, Abhishek Lodha-led Macrotech Developers demanded House of Abhinandan Lodha to stop using the ‘Lodha’ and ‘Lodha Group’ names. Since both the companies deal in the real estate sector, and to avoid any confusion for the people, Macrotech also asked his brother’s company to issue a clarification statement highlighting no business relations between the two companies.
