The Delhi High Court has granted House of Masaba Lifestyle. an interim injunction against Masabacoutureofficial.co & others for unauthorised use of the MASABA trademark. The order not only restrains the defendants from using the brand name but also directs Instagram to remove infringing pages and disclose the defendants’ details.

House of Masaba and Its Trademark Rights

Founded in 2009 by designer Masaba Gupta, House of Masaba is an established name in Indian fashion, known for its fusion wear, bold prints, and contemporary designs. Over the years, the brand has expanded beyond clothing into accessories, cosmetics, and home decor, strengthening its identity in the luxury fashion market. The MASABA trademark has been registered across multiple product categories since 2010, solidifying its exclusive rights.

Despite these protections, unauthorised sellers created Instagram pages, masabacoutureofficial.co and masabacouture.in offering similar products under the “Masaba Couture” name. The case took a more serious turn when dissatisfied buyers launched fraud alert accounts such as “masaba_couture_fraud”, revealing complaints against the infringing business.

Court Says Defendants Acted in Bad Faith

Justice Amit Bansal ruled in favour of House of Masaba, recognising that:

• The “MASABA” trademark is legally protected and widely recognised.
• The defendants’ use of similar names was misleading and deceptive.
• Consumer confusion was highly likely, warranting immediate legal intervention.

Given the widespread recognition of the House of Masaba brand, the court concluded that the defendants were acting in bad faith to mislead customers and capitalise on the brand’s reputation.

Instagram Ordered to Take Action

The court’s ruling extends beyond the defendants, directing Instagram to remove the infringing pages and provide the defendants’ contact details to the plaintiff. This shows the growing role of social media platforms in trademark enforcement and brand protection.

Why This Matters for Brands

The case makes it clear the need for brands to monitor trademark misuse, particularly on digital platforms. Unauthorised use of well-known trademarks can erode brand value, mislead consumers, and damage reputation.

To safeguard trademarks and maintain brand reputation, brands must actively monitor online activity, enforce intellectual property rights, and take swift legal action against infringers. As e-commerce grows, proactive brand protection remains essential in preventing consumer deception and preserving brand trust.