Trademark Infringement Case

The Supreme Court of India on September 24, 2025, dismissed a plea by UK-based fashion brand Lifestyle Equities CV seeking to lift the stay imposed by the Delhi High Court Division Bench on an order directing Amazon Technologies Inc to pay ₹340 crore in damages for trademark infringement. This marks a significant development in the ongoing high-profile legal battle centered on allegations of Amazon’s involvement in selling products infringing on Lifestyle Equities’ iconic Beverly Hills Polo Club (BHPC) trademarks.

Background of the Case

The case originated in 2020 when Lifestyle Equities filed a complaint alleging that Amazon’s private label, “Symbol,” sold products bearing logos deceptively similar to its registered BHPC trademarks on Amazon.in. Alongside Amazon, Cloudtail India, a major seller on the platform, was also named in the lawsuit.

In October 2020, the Delhi High Court granted an interim injunction restraining defendants from using the infringing marks. Cloudtail admitted liability and revealed sales worth approximately ₹24 lakh from such products. However, Amazon Technologies failed to appear in court and was proceeded against ex parte.

Delhi High Court’s Single Judge Verdict and Stay

A single-judge bench of the Delhi High Court later found Amazon liable for trademark infringement. The judgment held that Amazon’s agreements with Cloudtail India extended its liability beyond that of a neutral intermediary. The Court ordered Amazon to pay approximately ₹340 crore, which included $5 million for corrective advertising and brand rehabilitation, $33.78 million (₹292.7 crore) for lost royalties, and additional litigation costs.

However, on July 1, 2025, a Division Bench of the Delhi High Court stayed this order. The Bench observed procedural lapses, noting Amazon was not properly served summons before being proceeded against ex parte, raising issues about due process. The Bench also pointed out that the original suit claimed only ₹2 crore damages, but the awarded amount far exceeded this without formal amendments or applications to justify the increase.

Supreme Court’s Decision and Its Implications

Lifestyle Equities challenged the stay before the Supreme Court, but a Bench comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and KV Viswanathan dismissed the plea on September 24, 2025. The Supreme Court clarified that its dismissal does not bar the Delhi High Court Division Bench from hearing the case merits, allowing the litigation to continue.

This development signals the judiciary’s insistence on procedural fairness and due process, even in high-stakes commercial litigation. It also highlights the complexities of holding intermediaries like Amazon accountable for intellectual property infringement facilitated by sellers on their platforms.

Conclusion: Ongoing Legal Battle and Future Outlook

The Supreme Court’s recent dismissal reiterates the importance of fair legal proceedings while maintaining vigilance over trademark protection in the digital marketplace. Both Lifestyle Equities and Amazon must now await further hearings before the Delhi High Court Division Bench to resolve the substantive issues.

As e-commerce platforms grow increasingly dominant, this case serves as a critical precedent addressing intermediary liability, trademark enforcement, and the rights of global brands in India’s dynamic retail landscape.