Starbucks, NDTV and Economic Times Declared Well-Known Trademarks

Starbucks, NDTV and Economic Times Declared Well-Known Trademarks. The growing importance of brand protection, the Indian Intellectual Property Office has officially designated Starbucks, NDTV, and The Economic Times as "Well-Known Trademarks" under the Trade Marks Act, 1999. This recognition is an important step for protecting brand names in India and shows how strong and influential these brands have become.
What Does Well-Known Trademark Status Mean?
The concept of "Well-Known Trademark" is governed under Section 2(1)(zg) and the recognition process is described under Section 11(6) to 11(9) of the Trade Marks Act, 1999.
Being declared as a "Well-Known Trademark" means:

Protection extends beyond the goods or services for which the trademark is registered.

No other party — even in completely unrelated industries — can adopt a mark that is identical or deceptively similar.

It strengthens enforcement actions, deters misuse, and preserves the distinctiveness and consumer trust built around these brands.

The designation enhances the brand’s legal rights across the entire market, safeguarding not just against direct competition but also against potential dilution by unrelated businesses.
Why This Recognition Is Important
1. Starbucks: A Global Coffeehouse Icon Now Protected Across Sectors
Starbucks, already synonymous with premium coffee culture worldwide, now enjoys expansive protection in India across multiple industries beyond just cafes or beverages. From lifestyle products to merchandising and even entertainment collaborations, the Starbucks brand is shielded from potential infringement, fortifying its brand legacy as it continues its growth in the Indian market.
2. NDTV: India's Trusted News Brand Secures Its Influence
NDTV has been a household name in India for decades, known for its credible journalism and digital presence. By attaining "Well-Known Trademark" status, NDTV ensures its identity is legally safeguarded across platforms — from news channels to mobile apps, podcasts, merchandise, and beyond. It strengthens NDTV’s association with trust, accuracy, and consumer loyalty, regardless of the medium or service category.
3. The Economic Times: A Business Media Powerhouse Cemented
As one of India’s most trusted business publications, The Economic Times enjoys unparalleled credibility. With this legal recognition, its trademark protection now spans across sectors — whether it’s educational seminars, digital news, investment services, or merchandise. This move secures the ET brand against misuse and further boosts its standing as a dominant name in financial journalism and related fields. 
The Larger Impact: Protecting Brands in a Growing Market
India’s recognition of well-known trademarks reflects the country’s alignment with global intellectual property standards. It highlights that brand with a strong reputation — whether international giants like Starbucks or domestic pillars like NDTV and The Economic Times — must be protected in an economy that is increasingly digital, diversified, and consumer-driven.
For businesses, securing a "Well-Known Trademark" status brings numerous advantages:

Broader legal shield against imitators

Stronger grounds for opposing confusingly similar trademarks

Enhanced brand valuation and goodwill

This move also serves as a message to entrepreneurs and businesses about the importance of investing in intellectual property protection early in their growth journey.
Relevant Case Law on Well-Known Trademarks
The Supreme Court of India, in the landmark case Daimler Benz Aktiegesellschaft v. Hybo Hindustan (1994), emphasized the special protection granted to well-known trademarks.
In this case, the Court famously observed:
“In the case of a trademark like ‘Benz’, the mark is not only associated with quality and excellence but also signifies a class. Such marks should not be permitted to be used even for completely unrelated goods.”
This principle laid the groundwork for India's modern approach to protecting globally renowned brands across different industries — an approach now codified in the Trade Marks Act, 1999.
Conclusion
The official recognition of Starbucks, NDTV, and The Economic Times as well-known trademarks by the Indian Intellectual Property Office represents more than just a legal victory — it’s a reaffirmation of their impact on consumer minds and markets alike.
In today’s highly competitive environment, where brand identity is often a company’s most valuable asset, such recognition isn't merely symbolic — it’s strategic armor for the future.
As India's economy expands and more brands seek global footprints, the importance of achieving and protecting "Well-Known Trademark" status will only grow stronger.

The growing importance of brand protection, the Indian Intellectual Property Office has officially designated Starbucks, NDTV, and The Economic Times as "Well-Known Trademarks" under the Trade Marks Act, 1999. This recognition is an important step for protecting brand names in India and shows how strong and influential these brands have become.

What Does Well-Known Trademark Status Mean?

The concept of "Well-Known Trademark" is governed under Section 2(1)(zg) and the recognition process is described under Section 11(6) to 11(9) of the Trade Marks Act, 1999.

Being declared as a "Well-Known Trademark" means:

Protection extends beyond the goods or services for which the trademark is registered.
No other party — even in completely unrelated industries — can adopt a mark that is identical or deceptively similar.
It strengthens enforcement actions, deters misuse, and preserves the distinctiveness and consumer trust built around these brands.

The designation enhances the brand’s legal rights across the entire market, safeguarding not just against direct competition but also against potential dilution by unrelated businesses.

Why This Recognition Is Important

1. Starbucks: A Global Coffeehouse Icon Now Protected Across Sectors

Starbucks, already synonymous with premium coffee culture worldwide, now enjoys expansive protection in India across multiple industries beyond just cafes or beverages. From lifestyle products to merchandising and even entertainment collaborations, the Starbucks brand is shielded from potential infringement, fortifying its brand legacy as it continues its growth in the Indian market.

2. NDTV: India's Trusted News Brand Secures Its Influence

NDTV has been a household name in India for decades, known for its credible journalism and digital presence. By attaining "Well-Known Trademark" status, NDTV ensures its identity is legally safeguarded across platforms — from news channels to mobile apps, podcasts, merchandise, and beyond. It strengthens NDTV’s association with trust, accuracy, and consumer loyalty, regardless of the medium or service category.

3. The Economic Times: A Business Media Powerhouse Cemented

As one of India’s most trusted business publications, The Economic Times enjoys unparalleled credibility. With this legal recognition, its trademark protection now spans across sectors — whether it’s educational seminars, digital news, investment services, or merchandise. This move secures the ET brand against misuse and further boosts its standing as a dominant name in financial journalism and related fields.

The Larger Impact: Protecting Brands in a Growing Market

India’s recognition of well-known trademarks reflects the country’s alignment with global intellectual property standards. It highlights that brand with a strong reputation — whether international giants like Starbucks or domestic pillars like NDTV and The Economic Times — must be protected in an economy that is increasingly digital, diversified, and consumer-driven.

For businesses, securing a "Well-Known Trademark" status brings numerous advantages:

Broader legal shield against imitators
Stronger grounds for opposing confusingly similar trademarks
Enhanced brand valuation and goodwill

This move also serves as a message to entrepreneurs and businesses about the importance of investing in intellectual property protection early in their growth journey.

Relevant Case Law on Well-Known Trademarks

The Supreme Court of India, in the landmark case Daimler Benz Aktiegesellschaft v. Hybo Hindustan (1994), emphasized the special protection granted to well-known trademarks.

In this case, the Court famously observed:

“In the case of a trademark like ‘Benz’, the mark is not only associated with quality and excellence but also signifies a class. Such marks should not be permitted to be used even for completely unrelated goods.”

This principle laid the groundwork for India's modern approach to protecting globally renowned brands across different industries — an approach now codified in the Trade Marks Act, 1999.

Conclusion

The official recognition of Starbucks, NDTV, and The Economic Times as well-known trademarks by the Indian Intellectual Property Office represents more than just a legal victory — it’s a reaffirmation of their impact on consumer minds and markets alike.

In today’s highly competitive environment, where brand identity is often a company’s most valuable asset, such recognition isn't merely symbolic — it’s strategic armor for the future.

As India's economy expands and more brands seek global footprints, the importance of achieving and protecting "Well-Known Trademark" status will only grow stronger.