In a significant legal breakthrough, Zepto, the fast-growing quick commerce startup, has won a crucial trademark dispute case. The Delhi High Court recently ruled in favor of Zepto’s parent company, Kiranakart, allowing the removal of the ‘Zepto’ trademark from the register. This landmark decision ends a year-long legal battle over the ownership of the name, which has become synonymous with rapid grocery delivery services in India.
Read Also :- Unilever CEO Predicts Quick Commerce Will Drive Significant Growth for HUL in India
Background of the Trademark Dispute
The legal conflict began when Kiranakart filed a rectification petition to have the ‘Zepto’ trademark, originally registered by Mohammad Arshad on July 14, 2014, removed from the trademark register. Despite the trademark being registered several years before Zepto’s inception, the startup, which launched operations in India in 2021, had used the name extensively and built a strong brand presence within the country.
Zepto, which operates in the quick commerce sector, offering ultra-fast delivery services for groceries and daily essentials, quickly became a household name. The rapid rise of Zepto’s brand recognition in India made the ownership of the ‘Zepto’ trademark a critical issue, as it was integral to the company’s ongoing success and market position.
The Court’s Ruling
Judge Amit Bansal of the Delhi High Court delivered the verdict on March 3, 2025, ruling in favor of Zepto. In his judgment, Judge Bansal acknowledged the startup’s extensive and continuous use of the ‘Zepto’ trademark in India. The court recognized that Zepto had adopted the name in good faith and had built a substantial reputation under the brand logo since its launch in the country. This ruling emphasized the importance of continuous and widespread use of a trademark to establish the right to ownership, even if the trademark had been registered earlier by another party.
The court also noted that Mohammad Arshad, the previous registrant of the ‘Zepto’ trademark, had failed to demonstrate substantial use or recognition of the name during the period it was registered under his name. The strength of Zepto’s brand presence in the market made it clear that the startup’s claim to the trademark was justifiable.
Impact on Zepto and the Quick Commerce Industry
This victory is a pivotal moment for Zepto, as it secures its right to the brand name, allowing it to continue operating without the looming threat of trademark disputes. It also allows Zepto to focus fully on its ambitious expansion plans, especially in the rapidly growing quick commerce sector, where competition is fierce. As the startup continues to expand its reach and serve a growing customer base, the legal protection of its brand name is crucial for long-term success.
In addition to securing Zepto’s position in the market, the ruling highlights the importance of intellectual property rights for startups. As businesses grow and gain recognition, protecting their trademarks becomes essential to safeguarding their brand identity and maintaining a competitive edge. This case sets a valuable precedent for other startups in India and worldwide that face similar trademark challenges.
Zepto’s Future Outlook
With the court’s decision now in Zepto’s favor, the company is poised to continue its growth trajectory in India’s quick commerce space. The legal victory strengthens its market position and ensures that its brand identity remains secure. This is especially important in an industry characterized by fast-paced growth, where brand recognition plays a key role in consumer choice.
Zepto’s success story underscores the value of intellectual property protection in the startup ecosystem. For businesses aiming to scale and make a significant impact, securing the legal rights to their trademarks is a critical step in ensuring long-term sustainability.
Conclusion
Zepto’s triumph in the trademark dispute case marks a significant chapter in the startup’s journey, affirming its rightful claim to the name ‘Zepto’. The ruling serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of intellectual property rights in a competitive business environment, especially for rapidly growing startups. With this legal victory, Zepto can now focus on its future growth, continuing to innovate and expand its services in the quick commerce sector without the threat of trademark challenges.
