News and Blogs
News and Blogs
First “smell mark” application approved by The Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (‘CGPDTM’).
Currently, in India, if a product is associated with a specific odor that makes it unique and is represented graphically, you may submit your application for trademark registration of that odor linked to the product.
India has accepted its first application for a scent. The official electronic register of the Indian Trademark registry indicates that the Trade Mark Application status is "Accepted & Advertised" in Journal No. 2236, dated November 24, 2025, pertaining to Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd.'s application for "FLORAL FRAGRANCE / SMELL REMINISCENT OF ROSES AS APPLIED TO TYRES."
Source: Indian Intellectual Property Office Gov. Website
Section 3(i) of Indian Patent Act draws no distinction between in vivo and in vitro diagnostic methods.
The Delhi High Court, in the case of Hirotsu Bio Science Inc. v. Assistant Controller of Patents and Designs, affirmed the Patent Office's denial of a patent application concerning a cancer detection method that relies on the olfactory response of nematodes. This pertains to Patent Application No. 201617022947. The Court determined that the invention in question falls under Section 3(i) of the Patents Act, 1970, which prohibits the patenting of any invention that constitutes a diagnostic process.
Furthermore, the Court clarified that simply describing the claims as pertaining to 'in vitro detection' does not exempt the invention from Section 3(i), as this section of the Indian Patent Act does not specify 'in vitro' or 'in vivo' conditions. The specification and claims, when considered collectively, are aimed at diagnosing cancer.
The Court concluded that the claimed invention fundamentally represents a general method for cancer diagnosis. Consequently, it upheld the Controller's rejection of the application and dismissed the appeal.
Source: Indian Kanoon Website
Builders in Karnataka either transfer insurance documents under sec 16 or be ready to pay repairing costs.
Builders cannot exempt themselves from the costs of repairs related to accidental injuries if the insurance documents are not transferred to the buyers. This pertains to the clubhouse fire that occurred on January 30, 2024, at the Kanakpura road.
On November 29, 2025, Karnataka RERA determined that builders are legally obligated under Section 16 of the RERA Act, 2016, to secure and transfer the necessary insurance for housing projects. This ruling arose from a dispute concerning a project on Bengaluru's Kanakapura Road following the clubhouse fire on January 30, 2024. K-RERA concluded that the builder is responsible for repair costs due to the inability to provide insurance documentation.
Source: Times of India Article
Builders are not allowed to sell common areas that includes parking stilt and open spaces.
Recent court rulings confirm that builders are prohibited from selling common areas, including stilt parking and open spaces, as separate units, since these are essential common amenities for residents.
In the case of Sandeep G. W. & Jianli Das vs M/s. Signature Dwellings Private Ltd. (July 2023), the Karnataka RERA mandated the builder to transfer common areas to the homebuyers.
Likewise, the Supreme Court in Nahalchand Laloochand Pvt. Ltd. vs. Panchali Co-op Housing Society determined that parking spaces cannot be sold independently.
Source:btgadvaya.com
Marriage is not a money-making tool.
In a landmark ruling in October 2025, the Delhi High Court determined that a wife who is financially independent, or any spouse who can sustain themselves, is ineligible to receive alimony. This decision underscores that alimony serves as a mechanism for social justice, rather than being a means for personal enrichment or take advantage of marriages. The court emphasized that permanent alimony is not guaranteed under Section 25 of the Hindu Marriage Act (HMA) if the applicant is self-sufficient.
Furthermore, the Court acknowledged the vital role of housewives, who have devoted their entire careers to their families. It affirmed that housewives should receive adequate support during the process of separation.
Source: theedulaw.in
It is essential to comprehend the significance of a customer's time as well.
The High Court of Karnataka has stayed the ruling issued by the Bengaluru Urban District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, which had imposed a fine of ₹1 lakh on PVR INOX multiplex for broadcasting commercial advertisements for approximately 25 minutes and consequently delaying the commencement of a film last year.
The commission had issued this ruling in response to a complaint lodged by Abhishek M.R. from Bengaluru. He asserted that his time was squandered due to the unnecessary airing of commercial advertisements for around 25 minutes prior to the beginning of the film, Sam Bahadur, on December 12, 2023, which disrupted his schedule. The complainant had documented the advertisements that were shown before the film commenced on his phone.
(Source: Adopted from Hindustan Times)
