The Bombay High Court has levied a fine of ₹50 lakh on Premier Stationery Industries for infringing on the trademarks of Pidilite Industries, the company behind the well-known Fevicol brand.

This decision followed Pidilite's lawsuit against Premier, accusing them of manufacturing and distributing adhesive products that closely resembled Fevicol glue bottles and glue guns.

Justice Riyaz Chagla, who presided over the case, observed that Premier Stationery Industries had flagrantly disregarded a 2017 court order that prohibited the production of Fevicol imitations. The order had been issued in response to Pidilite's petition, which revealed that Premier's counterfeit Fevicol products had resurfaced on the market, violating the court's earlier directives on labeling and packaging.

In its ruling, the High Court noted, "The Respondents have not offered any apology, much less an unconditional apology, and this is evident from their lack of remorse or regret for their wrongful acts and/or willful disobedience of the Court's Orders."

Pidilite, which markets products under the Fevicol, Fevicryl, Fevistick, and Fevi Kwik brands, accused Premier of intentionally using glue pens, labels, and bottles that infringed on its trademark rights. Premier contended that they were unaware of the terms set by Pidilite when they acquired the stationery company after the 2017 ruling, and argued that they should not be held liable for the prior owner’s commitments.

The High Court rejected this defense, citing evidence of a connection between Premier Stationery Industries' previous and current ownership. The court concluded that this continuity, combined with the company's misleading actions, constituted deliberate and willful defiance of the court's earlier orders.

This verdict highlights the necessity of complying with court directives and respecting intellectual property rights within the competitive business environment.