Piccadily Agro wins interim relief in ‘Kashmyr’ vodka trademark case

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Piccadily Agro Industries has secured an interim injunction against Radico Khaitan, blocking the latter from manufacturing, selling, or promoting vodka under the ‘Kashmyr’ label. The ruling comes after Piccadily alleged trademark violation, citing its prior registrations of ‘Cashmir’ and ‘Cashmere’ in India and overseas.

The court observed that ‘Kashmyr’ bore a close resemblance to Piccadily’s trademarks and could mislead consumers or dilute brand identity. As part of the injunction, Radico Khaitan and its affiliates are prohibited from using the contested name — either independently or with any prefix or suffix — until the matter is fully adjudicated.

Piccadily launched its premium vodka under the ‘Cashmir’ brand in May 2025, positioned in the luxury segment. Radico Khaitan unveiled its ‘Kashmyr’ variant two months later, reportedly at a comparable price point. Piccadily argued that the overlap risked consumer confusion, particularly given the competitive dynamics of India’s fast-growing premium spirits market.

In a regulatory filing, Piccadily reiterated that Radico Khaitan is barred from any commercial activity tied to the brand until a final judgment is reached. The injunction adds to a series of high-profile trademark disputes in India’s beverage and consumer goods industry, reflecting how brand identity and linguistic similarity are increasingly contested in court.

The case will be closely watched by marketers and legal experts, as its outcome could influence how far Indian courts go in protecting phonetic and visual similarities in branding.