24Seven files contempt plea in Delhi High Court against Godfrey Philips over trademark

Twenty Four Seven Retail Store Private Limited (24Seven) has moved a contempt of court petition before the Delhi High Court against its former stakeholder Godrey Phillips for violating an undertaking that the latter would not use the ‘24Seven Trademarks' [Twenty Four Seven Retail Store Private Limited & Anr Vs Godfrey Philips India Limited]..According to 24Seven, Godfrey Philips has begun operating retail stores under the brand name ‘24 HOURS’, thereby violating an undertaking given to the Court in December 2024. Justice Mini Pushkarna heard the case briefly today before adjourning it to March 21 without issuing notice or commenting on the merits of the application. .She, however, urged the parties to mediate the dispute as opposed to litigating in the courts. Senior Advocates Jayant Mehta and Rajiv Nayar, who appeared for Twenty Four Seven and Godfrey Phillips respectively, told the Court that they will obtain instructions on the same. .24Seven had earlier filed a suit before the Delhi High Court against its former stakeholder, Godfrey Phillips India Limited for unauthorizedly continuing to use its trademark. However, Godfrey Phillips disputed the allegation, stating that it stopped using the mark in October 2024 after it exited the retail business in July 2024. The Court recorded this statement and bound Godfrey Phillips by the same. Godfrey Phillips India, a prominent tobacco manufacturer, ventured into the retail sector in 2005 with its 24Seven convenience store chain, operating about 150 outlets as of December 2023.However, the company decided to exit this retail venture in 2024 due to financial reasons..Earlier, the tobacco giant's exit plan faced a legal challenge when Samir Modi, Executive Director of Godfrey Phillips and a key figure behind the 24Seven venture, sought an injunction against the move.In June 2024, a Delhi court issued an interim injunction against Godfrey Phillips, temporarily halting the company's plans.The same was set aside by the District Judge of Saket Court in July 2024, allowing Godfrey Phillips to proceed with its exit strategy.Samir Modi was later removed from the company's board during a meeting after fellow directors did not support his reappointment. It may be noted that Samir Modi’s mother, Bina Modi is at the helm of affairs at Godfrey Philips. .On February 27, 24Seven filed an application for an injunction citing the same cause of action. During the hearing, Godfrey Philips, without prejudice to their rights and contentions, told the court that the use of the mark “24 HOURS” has been stopped. The Court took the statement on record. During today’s hearing, the Court noted that such a statement on the use of ’24 Hours’ has already been made. .24Seven was represented by Senior Advocate Jayant Mehta with advocates Simran Singh, Toyesh Tewari, Agasty Sen and Vikramaditya Sanghi from Dua Associates. .Godfrey Phillips was represented by Senior Advocate Rajiv Nayar with advocates Amita Katragadda, Swati Sharma, Rohin Koolwal, Kamakshi Puri and Aaryaman Vachher from Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas.