Mumbai-based Gufic Biosciences, better known for its products like Shapers sanitary pads and Acti-Slim capsules, has been given a clean chit by the Delhi Hight Court in relation to Estee Lauder’s trademark violation charges against them. American skincare and cosmetics manufacturer, Estee Lauder, had charged Gufic with a trademark infringement case regarding its use of the word ‘Cliniq’ in its product ‘SkinCliniq Stretch Nil’, which is an anti pregnancy stretch marks cream for women. Lauder had earlier stated that the word ‘Cliniq’ is crafty similar to their skincare line ‘Clinique’ , henceforth leading to the creation of deliberate confusion in the consumer’s mind.
After almost two years, the Delhi High Court has rejected the plea filed by the American major and allowed Gufic Biosciences to sell its products with the ‘Cliniq’ branding. Justices Badar Durrez Ahmed and Veena Birbal stated that Gufic’s use of the word ‘Cliniq’ is not identical or deceptive to Estee Lauder’s ‘Clinique’ brand. The HC also pointed out to the huge price difference between the two products, which plays a crucial role in separating the two brands. Gufic’s 100-ml lotion costs about Rs245 compared to Rs1,200 and Rs1,950 for 15 ml and 75 ml respectively for Estee Lauder’s Clinique range of products.
