Supreme Court stays high court order in Kirloskar trademark dispute

Kirloskar Brothers Limited (KBL) announced on October 19, 2025, that the Supreme Court of India, in an order dated October 17, 2025, has stayed the effect and operation of a Bombay High Court order from October 10, 2025. This stay relates to a special leave petition filed by a counterparty in an ongoing trademark dispute. The Supreme Court's decision was received by KBL on October 18, 2025.

The High Court's initial order from July 25, 2025, had permitted KBL to license the 'Kirloskar' mark to member companies but not assign it for similar or overlapping businesses. However, the subsequent High Court order on October 10, 2025, injuncted even licensing to group companies. The Supreme Court's latest stay specifically targets this October 10, 2025, modification, reinstating the position from the July 25, 2025, order.

The Supreme Court has issued notice, returnable on November 4, 2025, for further hearing. Kirloskar Brothers Limited stated that the financial implications of this ongoing litigation cannot be ascertained at this juncture and pledged to keep exchanges informed of further developments.