Lodha vs Lodha: Trademark Dispute in Family Business. In the recent legal dispute between Abhishek Lodha of Macrotech Developers (previously known as Lodha Group) and his brother Abhinandan Lodha, founder of House of Abhinandan Lodha (HoABL), has emerged as an important example of how intellectual property (IP) rights play a important role in family-run enterprises. The Rs.5,000 crore trademark infringement case not only highlights the legal intricacies surrounding brand ownership but also emphasizes the importance of clear business separation in family ventures. 
The Background of the Conflict
After parting ways with the Lodha Group in 2015, Abhinandan Lodha entered the real estate sector independently. In 2017, a family settlement agreement was signed, wherein exclusive rights to the 'Lodha' and 'Lodha Group' trademarks were formally given to Abhishek Lodha and his company, Macrotech Developers.
However, issues resurfaced when Abhinandan’s new venture, HoABL, began using the 'Lodha' name in its branding and marketing activities. This triggered Macrotech Developers to file a legal suit citing trademark violation, alleging that the continued use of the name could result in brand confusion and dilute the trademark’s value. 
Mediation and Settlement
On January 31, 2025, the Bombay High Court appointed retired Supreme Court Justice R.V. Raveendran as a mediator to facilitate a resolution. Recognizing the gravity of the issue and the need for a constructive solution, Justice R.V. Raveendran (Retd. Supreme Court Judge) appointed as the mediator in the matter. Through the course of discussions and with the involvement of family elders, the two brothers reached a mutually acceptable resolution.
Key outcomes of the settlement included:

Abhishek Lodha's Macrotech Developers would retain exclusive rights to the trademarks ‘Lodha’ and ‘Lodha Group’.

Abhinandan Lodha’s HoABL would function under the brand ‘House of Abhinandan Lodha’ and refrain from using the disputed trademarks.

Both parties agreed to communicate their individual brand identities clearly in the public domain, to prevent any misleading association between the two businesses.

Takeaways for Family-Owned Enterprises
This high-profile case sheds light on some key lessons that are highly relevant for business families:
Prioritize IP Ownership Clarity
Clearly defining who owns what in terms of trademarks, logos, and brand names helps avoid disputes down the line. When families are involved in similar industries, brand confusion can lead to major legal and reputational issues.
Enforceable Family Settlements
While family settlements may be amicable, they must also be legally sound and enforceable. Properly structured agreements that define limitations and permitted use of brand identity can prevent future conflict.
Mediation as a Strategic Tool
Rather than escalating matters through prolonged litigation, opting for mediation can result in a faster, less damaging resolution. In this case, it allowed the Lodha family to preserve personal ties while separating business interests. 
Conclusion
The Lodha trademark dispute is more than just a legal case—it’s a powerful example of how personal relationships and business can become entangled. It reminds stakeholders, especially in family-driven ventures, that protecting intellectual property proactively, and clearly defining business rights, are non-negotiable components of sustainable brand management. This resolution also shows the effectiveness of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in maintaining both business continuity and family harmony.

In the recent legal dispute between Abhishek Lodha of Macrotech Developers (previously known as Lodha Group) and his brother Abhinandan Lodha, founder of House of Abhinandan Lodha (HoABL), has emerged as an important example of how intellectual property (IP) rights play a important role in family-run enterprises. The Rs.5,000 crore trademark infringement case not only highlights the legal intricacies surrounding brand ownership but also emphasizes the importance of clear business separation in family ventures.

The Background of the Conflict

After parting ways with the Lodha Group in 2015, Abhinandan Lodha entered the real estate sector independently. In 2017, a family settlement agreement was signed, wherein exclusive rights to the 'Lodha' and 'Lodha Group' trademarks were formally given to Abhishek Lodha and his company, Macrotech Developers.

However, issues resurfaced when Abhinandan’s new venture, HoABL, began using the 'Lodha' name in its branding and marketing activities. This triggered Macrotech Developers to file a legal suit citing trademark violation, alleging that the continued use of the name could result in brand confusion and dilute the trademark’s value.

Mediation and Settlement

On January 31, 2025, the Bombay High Court appointed retired Supreme Court Justice R.V. Raveendran as a mediator to facilitate a resolution. Recognizing the gravity of the issue and the need for a constructive solution, Justice R.V. Raveendran (Retd. Supreme Court Judge) appointed as the mediator in the matter. Through the course of discussions and with the involvement of family elders, the two brothers reached a mutually acceptable resolution.

Key outcomes of the settlement included:

Abhishek Lodha's Macrotech Developers would retain exclusive rights to the trademarks ‘Lodha’ and ‘Lodha Group’.
Abhinandan Lodha’s HoABL would function under the brand ‘House of Abhinandan Lodha’ and refrain from using the disputed trademarks.
Both parties agreed to communicate their individual brand identities clearly in the public domain, to prevent any misleading association between the two businesses.

Takeaways for Family-Owned Enterprises

This high-profile case sheds light on some key lessons that are highly relevant for business families:

Prioritize IP Ownership Clarity

Clearly defining who owns what in terms of trademarks, logos, and brand names helps avoid disputes down the line. When families are involved in similar industries, brand confusion can lead to major legal and reputational issues.

Enforceable Family Settlements

While family settlements may be amicable, they must also be legally sound and enforceable. Properly structured agreements that define limitations and permitted use of brand identity can prevent future conflict.

Mediation as a Strategic Tool

Rather than escalating matters through prolonged litigation, opting for mediation can result in a faster, less damaging resolution. In this case, it allowed the Lodha family to preserve personal ties while separating business interests.

Conclusion

The Lodha trademark dispute is more than just a legal case—it’s a powerful example of how personal relationships and business can become entangled. It reminds stakeholders, especially in family-driven ventures, that protecting intellectual property proactively, and clearly defining business rights, are non-negotiable components of sustainable brand management. This resolution also shows the effectiveness of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in maintaining both business continuity and family harmony.