Case Name: The Scotch Whisky Association & Ors. v. Golden Bottling Ltd. 

Citation: 129 (2006) DLT 423 

Court: High Court of Delhi 

Coram: Justice Madan B. Lokur. 

Abstract

It is not a new thing to give or have geographical indications to goods based on their geographical situations.  The case of The Scotch Whisky Association & Ors. v. Golden Bottling Ltd deals with the same issue of geographical indications. The case arose when the defendant used the term, which resembles an already existing brand, which has it’s own quality, identity and reputation. This case shows the importance of how GI tags work, and how far passing off can go. 

Introduction

A geographical indication or the GI tag is the indication which is used for specific goods, which are produced or are prepared in a specific territory or specific regions of the territory or a specific locality, which have specific quality, and reputation. Section 2(e) of The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 states about, what a geographical indication is.

This case tells us the importance of how a single name, which resembles an already existing name can make consequences or loss to another party. GI tags are not just a tag, which helps us to identify goods, but also for the protection of goods produced by the original producers.  

Facts of the Case

The defendant Golden Bottling sold liquor labelled by the ‘Red Scot’. The plaintiff argued for the permanent injunction that would restrict the trading and making of liquor or any products in the name ‘Red Scot’, since it resembles the ‘Scottish Whisky’. Due to the issue of GI of the term ‘scot’, the plaintiff argued that the defendant should not use the term in their brand name, which can be a passing off. Many notices were sent to the defendant, but no responses were received. A notice was sent in 2001, but the defendant did not reply and the plaintiff thought they were not selling it anymore, but in 2003, ‘Red Scot’ again appeared in the market. 

Issue 

Whether the use of the term ‘scot’ amounts to violation of GI? 

Reasoning

The plaintiff argued that, under the ‘Scotch Whisky Act’,1988, only certain liquor were identified or can be classified as scotch, so if someone tries to copy, they would commit passing off. According to the act, sections 1(1) , 1(2), and 1(3) clearly prohibits the production of whisky in Scotland other than Scotch whiskey. And section 2 talks about the restrictions on sale of spirits as Scotch whisky. 

Article 19(1)(g) of the Indian Constitution guarantees the right to carry out free trade, occupation or any business, but the same restrictions on the same article states that, it should be fair , and it should not affect any other person for passing off of goods or services. Article 253 of the Indian Constitution provides the parliament the right to make laws implementing the international agreements. 

Section 22 of the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 says about the infringement of rights of another person, if someone tries to mislead or make confusions to the consumers in purchasing the product with specific geographical origin. So, using the term ‘Red Scot’ can lead to dilemmas.  

Critique

 In a similar case commonly called the ‘Tirupathi Ladoo case’, a ‘Ladoo’, a sweet which is made in the Tirupathi temple and the devotees see it as a ‘prasaadham’, earned GI tag in 2009, but a person came forward for the removal of it’s GI tag. The court rejected his PIL stating as it keeps the divinity of the place, and if it is allowed for others to name other Ladoos as ‘Tirupathi Ladoo’, it will increase the fraudulent activities in the name of god. Like wise, in the case of Scottish Whiskey, if others are allowed to name other liquor in the same name, or names resembling the ‘Scottish Whiskey’ like the ‘Red Scot’, it will affect the business, integrity and uniqueness of the original brand. What if the other person starts selling products having similar name on a low price?, yeah it will definitely affect the sales of the original one. And the quality of the product too can vary. 

Impact

In this case, the court held it, as the violation of the intellectual property rights of the plaintiff, and held the defendant liable. So, such judgements are impactful in the society, as it helps to prevent or reduce the new number of cases which involves the activities of ‘passing off’ and other fraudulent activities. Thus, as a result, this can be used as referencing for such cases.  

Conclusion 

Through this case of The Scotch Whisky Association & Ors. v. Golden Bottling Ltd. , it explores the importance of maintaining a Geographical Indications tag and how it is useful in protecting the rights of indigenous varieties, cultures, and other products, based on a specific area or adaptations.  

References 

International Journal of Law Management & Humanities, ‘Case Analysis : Scotch Whisky Association and ors. v. Golden Bottling’ , Case-Analysis-Scotch-Whisky-Association-and-ors.-v.-Golden-Bottling.pdf 

The Geographical Indications of Goods (registration and protection) act, 1999 

Scotch Whiskey Act, 1988 

The Constitution of India, 1950 

International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research, ‘Analysis Of Geographical Indications and Its Infringement and Remedies with Case Studies’ , 18524.pdf