Havells India Limited secures landmark victory in Trade Mark Infringement Case against Denco Star Wire And Cable Limited

Havells India Limited, a global leader in electrical and electronics manufacturing, has achieved a significant victory in a landmark trade mark infringement case against Denco Star Wire and Cable Limited. Renowned for manufacturing life-saving devices, circuit breakers, isolators, and switches, Havells has underscored the critical importance of maintaining high safety standards, as counterfeits of its products pose severe risks of fire, explosion, and loss of life.

In 2022, Havells filed Suit No: HFC/L/CS/1548/2022: Havells India Limited v. Denco Star Wire and Cable Limited & Registrar of Trade Marks at the Federal High Court, challenging the unauthorised use of the “STANGUARD,” mark by Denco Star Wire and Cable Limited in the course of its trade.

The “STANGUARD,” mark is confusingly similar to Havells’ registered “STANGUARD” trade mark which was registered in Nigeria in Class 11 since 2004, and the application of Denco Star Wire and Cable Limited to register its infringing mark with the Registrar of Trade Marks. Havells’ legal team also presented evidence that linked Denco Star Wire & Cable Limited to a cross-border syndicate of manufacturers infringing on the STANDARD mark. Havells had secured a victory against this ring in India and tracked it to Nigeria and Denco Star Wire & Cable Limited.

Havells, represented by the Law Firm of Stren and Blan Partners, sought to decisively interdict this infringement by supplying evidence to demonstrate that the offending mark not only violated its registered intellectual property rights but also posed a grave risk to consumers given the nature of the goods.

Following three years of rigorous trial, the Court delivered its judgment on 6th February 2025 and issued a perpetual injunction against Denco Star Wire and Cable Limited, along with its agents and associates.

This injunction prevents them from using, importing, or selling products under the trademarks “STANGUARD,” “STANDARD,” or any similar marks on all platforms. Additionally, the Court directed the Registrar of Trade Marks to reject Denco Star Wire & Cable Limited’s application to register the “STANGUARD” trademark.

In a significant win for Havells, the court also awarded a substantial cost of Fifty Million Naira against Denco Star Wire & Cable Limited for the infringement of the STANDARD trade mark.

This judgment not only reinforces Havells’ standing as a renowned company and vigilant guardian of its iconic brands but also highlights the invaluable efforts of the Nigerian Courts in upholding and protecting well-known trade marks in Nigeria. Havells’ victory was secured through the collaborative efforts of Nigerian Counsel and Havells’ In-House Counsel, Roma Arora and Harsh Aggarwal.

Havells India Limited’s representation by the Stren & Blan Partners team, led by Amala Umeike and Chibudike Anene, played a pivotal role in this significant legal triumph.