Madras High Court Temporarily Injuncts 'Freedum' Oil Mark In Dispute With Gemini Edibles' 'Freedom' Brand

In an order dated March 16, 2026, Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy held that the applicant had established a prima facie case showing the rival trader had adopted a mark deceptively similar to Gemini's registered trademark for identical products.

The court observed that such intervention was necessary after Gemini pointed out that the defendant had allegedly flooded the market with the infringing goods even after receiving notice of the legal challenge.

Gemini Edibles told the court that it is the proprietor of the “FREEDOM” word mark and its variants, registered in several classes, including Class 29 for edible oils and fats.

The company contended that it has been using the mark consistently since November 10, 2009, while Nawaz Traders only recently entered the market by lodging a registration application in early 2026 for the mark 'Freedum.'

Upon notice, Nawaz Traders contended that they required additional time to file a formal counter-affidavit in response to the applications.

The court remarked, “It appears prima facie that the defendant has adopted a deceptively similar mark in relation to identical products.”

Accordingly, the court directed that “orders of ad interim injunction as prayed for in these applications are granted until the next date of hearing.”

The matter is listed for further hearing on April 8, 2026.

For Gemini Edibles and Fats India Ltd: Advocate Arun C Mohan

For Nawaz Traders: Advocate Jesus Moris Ravi