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The Delhi High Court on Friday (10 July) issued notice on Google's appeal challenging a single-judge ruling that held the company liable for trademark infringement over the use of the trademark "HINDWARE" as a keyword in its Google Ads programme. The Division Bench declined to grant interim relief and fixed the matter for final hearing on July 24, 2026.
Background of the Case
The dispute began after Hindware alleged that competing sanitaryware companies had purchased the keyword "HINDWARE" and related search terms through Google's advertising platform. According to the company, users searching for its products were shown sponsored advertisements of rival brands, resulting in the diversion of potential customers.
On May 22, 2026, Justice Mini Pushkarna held Google liable for trademark infringement. The Court directed Google to pay ₹30 lakh as damages and restrained it from using "HINDWARE" and its variants as keywords under its Google Ads programme. Google has now challenged that decision before a Division Bench.
Court Observation
The appeal was heard by Justice V. Kameswar Rao and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora, who issued notice to the respondents and sought their replies.
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The Bench refused to stay the earlier judgment at this stage and instead scheduled the matter for final hearing.
During the proceedings, Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Google, argued that the case raises an important legal issue concerning keyword advertising and online search. He submitted that allowing consumers to view competing products promotes informed choice.
The Bench, however, kept its views open on the central issue. It observed,
"We want to keep ourselves open-minded. We will hear the matter."
Court's Decision
The Division Bench issued notice on Google's appeal, declined to grant interim protection against the earlier judgment, and directed that the appeal be heard finally on July 24, 2026.
The merits of the challenge to the single-judge decision will be examined during the final hearing.
Case Details
Case Title: Google v. Hindware Limited & Ors.
Judge: Justice V. Kameswar Rao and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora
Decision Date: July 10, 2026
