Ambuja Cements (owned by the Adani Group) has filed a lawsuit in the Delhi High Court accusing JSW Cement and its subsidiary JSW IP Holdings of trademark infringement. Ambuja claims JSW’s new product “CHD Jal Kavach” uses a name confusingly similar to Ambuja’s registered “Ambuja Kawach” brand of water-repellent cement.
Key Allegations by Ambuja
- Ambuja asserts it registered the trademark “Ambuja Kawach” in 2019, and has been continuously using the related brand and marks (including “Water Shield”) since 2020 for its premium, moisture-resistant cement range.
- The company claims that JSW launched “JSW Cement CHD Jal Kavach” recently and filed for trademark registration for “Jal Kavach” in May 2025.
- Ambuja alleges “Jal Kavach” is “deceptively similar” to “Kawach” — visually, phonetically, and conceptually — especially since “Kavach” (meaning “shield” in Hindi) is the distinctive part of its brand.
- They also claim the packaging, marketing layout, use of similar descriptors (like water resistance, seepage prevention, durability) are too close to Ambuja’s branding, possibly causing consumer confusion.
What Ambuja Is Seeking
- A permanent injunction to stop JSW from using “Jal Kavach” or any confusingly similar mark.
- Withdrawal or rejection of JSW’s trademark application for “Jal Kavach.”
- Damages for alleged infringement and misuse.
What the Court Has Done So Far
- The Delhi High Court has issued summons to JSW Cement and JSW IP Holdings to respond to Ambuja’s claims.
- The court has directed both parties to attempt mediation to resolve the trademark dispute amicably.
- If mediation fails, further hearings have been scheduled. The next date in the case is set for October 15, 2025.
Why It Matters
- The dispute highlights growing competition in India’s cement industry, especially in the premium water-repellent / moisture-shield segment. Brands are investing in trademarks and distinctive branding to differentiate. mint
- Trademark law and brand identity are increasingly important as companies launch similar-sounding product lines, especially in regional and vernacular terminology (like “Kavach”).
- The outcome could set precedents for how descriptive Hindi/vernacular words used in branding are treated when they are part of registered marks.
