Multinational companies allege trademark infringement in Nepal

Kathmandu, March 18

The Department of Industry in Nepal has sought clarification from accused domestic companies after globally renowned multinational corporations such as Coca-Cola Company, Zoom Communications, and Hugo Boss filed complaints alleging trademark infringement.

The department has issued a public notice giving an ultimatum to 11 Nepali industries and companies that had earlier ignored deadline notices and failed to respond. They have now been asked to appear with evidence within seven days.

According to the department, copies of the complaints had already been sent to these companies under the Summary Procedure Act, 2028 (1972). However, as no written responses or confirmation of notice delivery were received, the department said it was compelled to publish a public notice.

It has warned that if written responses are not submitted to its legal section within seven days, excluding travel time, legal action will proceed unilaterally in accordance with the law.

As per the published list, all 11 complaints are related to opposition to trademark claims. Several well-known international brands have alleged that their names have been used or closely imitated in Nepali products.

The Coca-Cola Company (USA) has filed a complaint against Premier Organics Pvt. Ltd. of Sunsari for using the brand name “Palpal Cola.” It has also filed two separate complaints against Pathibhara Food and Packaging Industry of Nepal for products branded “Kul Cola” and “Super Fantastic.”

Similarly, Zoom Communications (USA) has alleged trademark infringement against Kabish Marketing Pvt. Ltd. of Jhapa for its product “Kabish Zoom Cosmetics.” Germany’s Hugo Boss has filed a complaint against Imanur Fashion Wear Industries, also in Jhapa, for using the trademark “Boss.”

Likewise, Turner Entertainment, known for platforms like Cartoon Network, has filed complaints against Naulo Foods Industries in Chitwan for “Kingcorn Lottery” and Pavitra Laxmi Food Products in Bhaktapur for “Jerry’s Cone.”

In addition, Energy Brands has filed complaints against Aqua Nepal Bisleri in Rupandehi for “ANBS Good Drinks” and Manohara Food and Beverage in Kathmandu for “DG Smart H2O.”

New Zealand’s well-known outdoor brand Kathmandu Holdings Limited has complained against Om Mangalakali Textile in Kathmandu for using the “The One Kathmandu” brand. Similarly, globally recognised bicycle brand Trek Bicycle Corporation has filed a complaint against Turbo Trek in Birgunj over the use of the “Turbo Trek” brand.

In recent years, while intellectual property awareness has been growing in Nepal, there has also been a rising trend of producing and selling goods locally using names similar to established foreign brands.

Following direct complaints from multinational companies, the department’s move signals a tightening of trademark protection for both international and domestic brands in Nepal.

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