Delhi High Court Restrains Use of 'Max Mueller' by Indian Entity

The Delhi High Court granted interim relief to the German entity Goethe-Institut, restraining an Indian organisation from using the marks “Max Mueller” or “Max Mueller Institute” for offering German language courses.

The Court found that Goethe-Institut had established prior use, goodwill, and recognition of its mark “Max Mueller Bhavan” since 1957, citing PAN cards, bank records, and media presence.

The defendant's 2018 adoption of the impugned mark was deemed dishonest. Relying on Section 34 of the Trade Marks Act, the Court recognised prior user rights as superior to registration.

The matter is next listed before the roster bench on May 13, 2025.