A major twist in the trademark dispute of sugar mill and distillery firm Piccadily Agro Industries and Indian Made Foreign Liquor maker Radico Khaitan.
On September 24, 2025, Piccadily granted an interim injunction by the District Court of Karnal, restraining Radico Khaitan from using the brand name Kashmyr for its newly launched vodka.
The court ordered neither to use the name Kashmyr until the case comes to a final conclusion and bringing questions regarding society inconsistent with identity as well as consumer protection in terms of the ever-competitive spirit’s market.
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Trademark Violation Allegations
Piccadily Agro, present in spirits markets with to date its luxury vodka brands Cashmir and Cashmere is filed a petition in July 2025 against Radico Khaitan. The issue was that Radico’s vodka brand name, Kashmyr, was much similar to Piccadily’s trademark names Cashmir” and Cashmere, which were already duly registered. Piccadily also claimed that the resemblance between names could mislead the customers, who would misbelieve that the two brands belong to or come under the same roof.
The court ruling dated September 23, 2025, found a merit in arguments advanced by Piccadily, determining use of the name Kashmyr by Radico Khaitan as being deceptively similar to trademarks of the plaintiff. The appellant which is Radico could not either manufacture or sell or advertise the vodka under that name till the matter was finally decided.
Competitive Edge: Spirits Industry of India
This case essentially highlights an Indian spirits industry’s competition marked with complexities brewed at state levels. Radico Khaitan recently plunged into the market by introducing Kashmyr, a vodka brand intended for consumers to have a taste of premium vodka. This pricing and positioning closely mimic Piccadily’s pricing and positioning of Cashmir and raising eyebrows within the legal chambers of Piccadily.
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Though endowed with hopes for spirits market growth as pointed out recently by Jefferies, an investment research firm the litigation may have long-term effects. Jefferies recently marked the initiation of coverage on Radico, forecasting growth in revenues of double digits and betters in profit margins, while adding that the company had an uphill task due to regulatory complexities of India. The trademark dispute may drown this positive picture for Radico.
What are Legal & Financial Implications?
The case remains as of sub judice pending any final adjudication as it stands, the court’s interim order sustains and restrains Radico Khaitan from utilizing the Kashmyr brand name in the meantime. Piccadily has sought a permanent injunction as well as damages for the illegal use of its trademark and costs incurred in legal action. The court’s interim order is passed under Order 39 Rule 1 and 2 CPC and will remain in force until the final adjudication of the case.
There are no immediate financial implications for either party, but the eventual outcome of the case will have a profound bearing on both companies involved in the spirits market, setting the trends for future trademark disputes in India’s liquor industry and fast becoming competitive by the day.
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Disclaimer: This article covers a legal matter still under adjudication. Please refer to official sources for updates.
