Classic Legends will reintroduce the iconic Yezdi nameplate with two motorcycles in January 2022. Classic Legends has revived the Jawa brand with modern mechanics, in addition to Yezdi. A new order from the Karnataka High Court may have an impact on Yezdi motorcycle sales in our market. The High Court determined that the ‘Yezdi’ brand is owned by the defunct Ideal Jawa India Pvt. Ltd. Co., which is in liquidation.
The Court also stated that the Yezdi name cannot be used on Classic Legends’ new motorcycles because it is under the jurisdiction of the Liquidator’s office. The Ideal Jawa India Co. Pvt. Ltd., which went bankrupt in 1996, retained ownership of the Yezdi trademark. The trademark is under the jurisdiction of the Liquidator’s office, and the Yezdi name is solely owned by the Liquidator’s office. The trademark cannot be used by anyone until all outstanding debts owed to Ideal Jawa India Co. Pvt. Ltd are paid in full.
According to the Ideal Jawa Employees Association, their dues have yet to be paid. The proceeds from the sale of all assets, including the Yezdi trademark, from Ideal Jawa Co. Pvt. Ltd. should be used to pay off all outstanding debts. All trademark registration certificates issued in favour of Boman Irani by the Registrar of Trademarks in Mumbai, Delhi, and Ahmedabad have been declared null and void by the Karnataka High Court. The Court also ordered that all such registrations be transferred to Ideal Jawa via the OL by the Trademark Registration Authority (Official Liquidator).
The Ideal Jawa Employees Association also filed a separate application to stay the registrations granted by the trademark registrar. Karnataka HC has also imposed a fine of Rs 10 lakh each on both, Boman Irani and Classic Legends. The HC has also directed the company to stop all operations that concern the usage of the Yezdi brand name in 30 days.
Commenting on the recent development, Classic Legends said, “The order is held in abeyance and the company is seeking legal advice on the matter. The company will be filing an appeal against the order shortly and is optimistic of securing favourable relief. In the interim, manufacturing and sale of motorcycles will continue, subject to orders of the Appellate Court.”
