VIP Industries issued a clarification regarding the ongoing sub-judice matters concerning the ‘CARLTON’ trademark for travel luggage against Carlton Shoes Limited. The company confirms it will pursue its right to use the mark in India. Furthermore, VIP expressed concern over a recent license granted to competitor Safari Industries for the same mark, noting this could cause customer confusion. VIP retains full rights for global ‘Carlton’ usage, unaffected by the domestic case.
Status of ‘CARLTON’ Trademark Litigation
VIP Industries Limited has provided an update concerning the legal proceedings—specifically CS (COMM) No. 730 of 2019 and CS (COMM) No. 52 of 2020—pending before the Delhi High Court regarding the right to use the ‘CARLTON’ trademark for travel luggage in India. The company maintains that these matters are sub-judice and confirms it will continue to pursue the case until a final determination, asserting its right to use the trademark domestically.
A key procedural note is that the counterparty has not yet filed affidavits of evidence, despite a direction from the Hon’ble Supreme Court in its order dated August 01, 2025, for the expeditious disposal of the suits.
Supreme Court Relief for Inventory Disposal
The company received crucial relief from the Supreme Court of India. In an order dated August 01, 2025, read with a subsequent order on January 23, 2026, the Supreme Court granted VIP the liberty to dispose of its existing ‘Carlton’ branded inventory before June 01, 2026, pending the final outcome of the legal dispute.
Recent Competitive Development and Concerns
A significant recent development involves competitor Safari Industries (India) Limited, which notified exchanges on February 18, 2026, that it has acquired a long-term license to use the ‘Carlton’ trademark in India from Carlton Shoes Limited. Given that the core matters are still unresolved, VIP Industries stated it is unable to ascertain the rationale for this license.
VIP is concerned that this licensing development is likely to create confusion among its established customer base, distributors, and stakeholders. As a result, the company is issuing immediate instructions to its distributors to ensure no confusion arises between VIP’s existing ‘Carlton’ products and any new launches by competitors.
Global Business Operations Unaffected
VIP Industries clarified that the ongoing legal dispute has no implications on its global business. ‘Carlton’ branded luggage is sold globally, with overseas sales forming a meaningful proportion of the total brand revenue. The company confirmed that it has duly registered the brand in several key overseas jurisdictions, and the right to use the ‘Carlton’ brand overseas remains unaffected.
Source: BSE
