The famous mythological story about David and Goliath is being put to test again. Multinational giant Burger King Corporation, who is all set to enter the Indian market is pressurizing the Indian company Burger King Restaurant Pvt. Ltd., which has been in business since 1996, of legal consequences on an alleged trademark violation, which Burger King Restaurant Pvt. Ltd. has held for nearly two decades.
Burger King Restaurant Pvt. Ltd., the Indian company is working hard to convert the staple vegetarian Vada Pav & Dabeli Burger into a wholesome, healthy low calorie option while maintaining the taste of the original – why then should it be asked to move aside now that the Indian company has plans chalked out to put street carts in Malls in Ahmedabad, Pune & Mumbai and its being hounded by the MNC.
Mr. Shyam Hotchandani, Manager of Burger King Restaurants Pvt. Ltd. said “This is grossly unfair that a local company is being pressurised to abandon all its current and future business plans to make way for an American fast food company that was aware of the Indian company’s business and never objected to it till now. Burger King Corporation never wanted to setup in India because of its predominant Beef Burger offering.”
The trademarks act is clear in its focus – that a conflict of interest exists only if Burger King International USA had actually used its trademark in India which it has not, Nor has it objected to the Indian company which is registered under the Companies Act 1956. The Indian company has now asked for striking out the trademark of the MNC for non use in India. The Indian company has stated clearly that it will compromise with the MNC provided it is allowed to co-exist its small business.
Adding Mr. Hotchandani said, “The government’s intent for Make in India is all about generating growth and opportunities for the people of India – it was never intended to run indigenous businesses out of business. What is needed to do is give Indian small & medium enterprises the opportunity to thrive?
Media Contact: Manoj Panjwani, 9820086347