Passing OffInfringement+3
Between Infringement and Passing Off: The Sangeetha and Geetham Restaurant Dispute
When former Sangeetha franchisees rebranded as Geetham but kept identical restaurant aesthetics and menus, the Madras High Court ruled they were guilty of passing off, despite avoiding formal trademark infringement. This case sets a clear precedent: legally, a brand is defined by its total consumer experience, not just its name.
Rohaan Thyagaraju VApril 21, 2026