The Ok-Tata-Bye-Bye controversy - Manu A B in Mumbai
Infringements related to brand names and trademarks are a never-ending story. In the latest dispute over a brand name, the Tata Group has objected to the word 'Tata' used in oktatabyebye.com, a travel community site owned by MakeMyTrip.
Tata Sons, the holding company of the Tata Group, appealed to the World Intellectual Property Organisation against the domain name stating that oktatabyebye.com aims to create confusion in the minds of consumers using the Tata brand name.
Despite MakeMyTrip's efforts to prove its stand, the Tatas won the case, a move described by MakeMyTrip as 'shocking'.
MakeMyTrip concurs that the word 'Ta Ta' is generic and is associated with travel. Tata Sons, however, refused to comment as the case is sub-judice.
Makemytrip will appeal against this verdict in the high court against this verdict.
Justifying MakeMyTrip's stance, Deep Kalra, co-founder of the company, says, "The business of oktatabyebye does not in any way compete with any known Tata Group business. The phrase Ok-Tata-Bye-Bye is a form of greeting and hence connects instinctively to travel.
Viewers can read the detailed information on this issue in www.rediff.com