The Delhi High Court has recognized "Taj" as a well-known trademark for hotels and related services in the hospitality sector.  

The bench of Justice Amit Bansal, while delivering the judgment, highlighted that the extensive use of the TAJ marks over a long period, their widespread presence, public recognition, and goodwill—strengthened by significant promotion, publicity, and revenue generation in India and abroad—have collectively contributed to their status as well-known trademarks.  

The Court held that Indian Hotels Company Limited, part of the TATA Group, had fulfilled the criteria outlined in Sections 11(6) and 11(7) of the Trademarks Act, affirming "Taj" as a well-known trademark.  

The ruling came in response to a suit filed by Indian Hotels Company Limited against multiple individuals for trademark infringement, copyright violations, and passing off. The company's legal counsel presented substantial data and documentation to establish the TAJ marks' eligibility for this recognition.  

Upon reviewing the evidence, the Court concluded that Indian Hotels Company Limited had successfully demonstrated that the TAJ marks met the definition of well-known trademarks under Section 2(1)(zg) of the Trademarks Act.  

Additionally, the Court noted that "VIVANTA," another mark owned by Indian Hotels Company Limited and associated with hotels, had already been declared a well-known trademark by a coordinate bench in September 2022.  

“In light of the relief sought in paragraph 79(vii) of the plaint, a decree of declaration is passed, officially recognizing the TAJ marks as well-known trademarks under Section 2(1)(zg) of the Act,” the Court ruled.