Delhi High Court restrains Indian company from using Google’s self-driving car brand 'Waymo'

The Delhi High Court on Friday restrained an Indian Electric Vehicle company from using the mark “Waymo”, associated with Google’s self-driving car business [Waymo Vs P-Waymo]..Justice Jyoti Singh noted that the defendants (Indian EV company) had been duly served through multiple modes, including speed post, courier and email.Despite this, none appeared on their behalf, even on the second call of the matter. In these circumstances, Justice Singh proceeded to grant an interim injunction in Google's favour. .Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc. (which also owns Google), argued that it is a global pioneer in autonomous vehicle technology. It contended that the defendants were operating under the name “P-Waymo Private Limited” and were using the mark “Waymo” in their company name, email IDs and website, despite being engaged in the business of electric three-wheelers.During an earlier hearing on January 15, the Court examined whether Waymo had sufficient presence in India or was merely relying on overseas reputation. .In response, Waymo submitted that it has an Indian subsidiary, Waymo India Private Limited, and that the software backend powering its driverless technology is developed in India. It emphasised that its case was not based solely on transborder reputation but also on an existing commercial footprint in India..Waymo also highlighted that the defendants’ use was not limited to a trademark in the conventional sense but extended to trade name use, including the incorporation of “Waymo” in their company name. The Court noted that this raised issues under trade name protection as well.Waymo submitted that even after issuance of a cease-and-desist notice, the defendants continued using the impugned mark. While their earlier domain name was not renewed, they allegedly migrated to another website where the mark continued to be used. The mark was also reflected on social media platforms and in business communications.The Court had earlier declined to grant an ex parte injunction and instead issued notice to the defendants, directing service through all permissible modes, including electronic means, while listing the matter for further consideration..However, today, Waymo contended that the Indian company had refused to appear despite repeated service of summons..Taking note of the continued use of the Waymo mark and the defendants’ non-appearance in the case, the Court restrained them from using “Waymo” in any manner, including in their company name, domain names, email addresses and social media handles. The Court added that specific URLs would be required for directing takedowns of online content infringing on the Waymo mark..The case will be heard next in July 2026. .Waymo was represented by Advocates Shwetasree Majumder, Tanya Varma, Vardaan Anand and Ruchika Yadav from Fidus Law Chambers