The Supreme Court expressed concern over states permitting liquor sales in small tetra packs, likening them to juice containers and highlighting potential risks to children. This issue emerged during a trademark dispute between whisky producers Allied Blenders and John Distillers, where tetra packs constitute a significant portion of sales in some regions. NEW DELHI: With a fight over trademark between two major whisky producers revealing that a major part of their sales is through small tetra packs in south-west India, a startled Supreme Court on Monday wondered why states are permitting such packaging of liquor.”This is very dangerous. It looks like a juice tetra pack. Imagine it falling into the hands of children? The parents and teachers won’t even suspect that tetra packs contain intoxicants,” said a concerned bench of CJI-designate Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi.The case involved Allied Blenders, which manufactures ‘Officer’s Choice’, and John Distillers, which markets its whisky under the brand name ‘Original Choice’. Appearing for John Distillers, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi said that both companies have more than Rs 30,000 crore of sales and that in Karnataka alone tetra packs account for 65% of the business.In an interesting turn to their business rivalry, both companies had approached the Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB) seeking rectification of trademarks used by each other. By a common order, the IPAB had dismissed both petitions saying there was nothing so similar in the trademarks as to confuse consumers.However, on Nov 7, a division bench of Madras HC ordered rectification of ‘Original Choice’ trademark for its similarities with ‘Officer’s choice’. This was challenged before SC, where bottles of various shapes and tetra packs were shown to the bench.With advocates Harish Salve, A M Singhvi and N K Kaul representing Allied Blenders pitted against Mukul Rohatgi and Shyam Divan appearing for John Distillers, the bench asked, “Despite the ferocious fighting in different forums, is there a chance of compromise?”With both parties agreeing to attempt a compromise through mediation, the bench requested retired SC judge L Nageswara Rao to act as a mediator to reach an amicable settlement over the high-spirited dispute over the label on whisky products of both companies.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosJaishankar, Russian FM Lavrov Hold Key Talks in Moscow Ahead of Putin’s India Visit ‘In 3 Weeks’India Doubles Down On Russian Oil Imports Despite U.S. Sanctions HeatBangladesh Seeks Hasina’s Return As India Notes ICT Tribunal Verdict, Calls For Peace And Stability’This Generation Can Bring Viksit Bharat Before 2047’: Army Chief Dwivedi’s Message To Gen ZHasina Verdict Sparks Outrage as Ex-Indian Envoy Questions Evidence and Awami League Cries Black DayPak Army Chief Asim Munir Vows ‘Strong Response’, Army Chief Dwivedi Warns Op Sindoor Was A TrailerPM Modi Condoles Families as 45 Indians Feared Dead in Saudi Bus CrashOusted Bangladesh PM Hasina Calls ICT’s Death Sentence ‘Rigged’, Says It Denied Fair Trial RightsFrench Consulate Staffer Molested In Bandra As Mumbai Police Launch Rapid Hunt To Track The SuspectAfter 5th August 2019…’ Army Chief Counters Mehbooba’s Charge Against Centre Over J&K Situation123PhotostoriesNayanthara birthday special: Social media moments with Vignesh Shivan and the twinsLemon, olive oil and more: 7 natural remedies to help relieve constipationZubeen Garg’s birth anniversary special: Films that define his cinematic journeyWhat happens when you eat garlic soaked in matha (buttermilk)This simple at-home test can reveal how fast your digestive system worksWorld’s 5 underrated travel destinations to bookmark, and whyFrom wanting to find a boyfriend in Bigg Boss Marathi to their age-gap; Nikki Tamboli and Arbaz Patel open up about their love story3 common mistakes to avoid while consuming fruits and why5 stunning purple coloured animals that seem to be painted by artistsFrom playgrounds to healthy lifestyle: Sachin Tendulkar’s parenting tips for today’s families123Hot PicksDelhi AQI TodaySheikh Hasina VerdictBihar Government FormationGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingQTCinderellaTravis KelceKlay ThompsonAuston Matthews Net WorthDana WhiteDraymond GreenLebron JamesPaige GrecoZelina VegaCharlie Mcavoy Injury
NEW DELHI: With a fight over trademark between two major whisky producers revealing that a major part of their sales is through small tetra packs in south-west India, a startled Supreme Court on Monday wondered why states are permitting such packaging of liquor.“This is very dangerous. It looks like a juice tetra pack. Imagine it falling into the hands of children? The parents and teachers won’t even suspect that tetra packs contain intoxicants,” said a concerned bench of CJI-designate Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi.The case involved Allied Blenders, which manufactures ‘Officer’s Choice’, and John Distillers, which markets its whisky under the brand name ‘Original Choice’. Appearing for John Distillers, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi said that both companies have more than Rs 30,000 crore of sales and that in Karnataka alone tetra packs account for 65% of the business.In an interesting turn to their business rivalry, both companies had approached the Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB) seeking rectification of trademarks used by each other. By a common order, the IPAB had dismissed both petitions saying there was nothing so similar in the trademarks as to confuse consumers.However, on Nov 7, a division bench of Madras HC ordered rectification of ‘Original Choice’ trademark for its similarities with ‘Officer’s choice’. This was challenged before SC, where bottles of various shapes and tetra packs were shown to the bench.With advocates Harish Salve, A M Singhvi and N K Kaul representing Allied Blenders pitted against Mukul Rohatgi and Shyam Divan appearing for John Distillers, the bench asked, “Despite the ferocious fighting in different forums, is there a chance of compromise?”With both parties agreeing to attempt a compromise through mediation, the bench requested retired SC judge L Nageswara Rao to act as a mediator to reach an amicable settlement over the high-spirited dispute over the label on whisky products of both companies.
