The Bombay High Court on Monday suggested that brothers Abhishek and Abhinandan Lodha attempt to amicably resolve their legal dispute over the use of the “Lodha” trademark.
The Lodha brothers, sons of BJP leader and Maharashtra Skill Development Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, are engaged in a legal battle over the family name. Abhishek Lodha’s company, Macrotech Developers Limited, has filed a Rs 5,000 crore intellectual property rights (IPR) suit against Abhinandan Lodha’s real estate firm, House of Abhinandan Lodha.
The lawsuit alleges that the “Lodha” trademark belongs to Macrotech Developers and seeks a permanent injunction against Abhinandan’s company from using it.
Justice Arif Doctor, hearing the matter, pointed out the familial nature of the dispute and suggested mediation.
“This appears to be a dispute between two brothers. Has any effort been made to resolve it amicably?” the judge remarked. The court proposed appointing a former chief justice or retired Supreme Court judge as a mediator if the brothers agreed.
Senior counsel Darius Khambata, representing Macrotech Developers, argued that the company is the registered proprietor of the “Lodha” trademark and the aggrieved party in the case. The court, however, noted that resolving the brothers’ differences could address the larger conflict.
According to Macrotech Developers, the “Lodha” trademark has been the cornerstone of the Lodha Group’s identity since the 1980s. The company claimed to have invested Rs 1,700 crore in brand-building over the past decade, with domestic property sales exceeding Rs 91,000 crore between FY 2013-14 and FY 2023-24.
The dispute stems from a 2015 decision when Abhinandan Lodha separated from the Lodha Group to start his own venture, House of Abhinandan Lodha. Family settlement agreements in 2017 and 2023 established his company’s name, but Macrotech Developers alleges it was not a party to the 2023 agreement and never granted permission for the use of the “Lodha” trademark.
Abhishek Lodha contends that the “Lodha” name, built over four decades, commands significant goodwill domestically and internationally. The lawsuit emphasizes the group’s extensive investment in advertising and its reputation as a leading real estate developer.
The court has asked both parties to confirm by Tuesday if they are willing to pursue mediation. Pending resolution, the court will continue hearing the case.