Acko Seeks Indian Govt’s Intervention In Trademark Breach In China

Bengaluru-based Acko General Insurance has appealed to the Indian government for assistance in a potential trademark infringement in China.

The Amazon-backed insurer raised objections with Chinese authorities after Shenzhen MengLang Technology applied for the Acko trademark in China, targeting insurance and financial services categories, Mint reported, citing people close to the matter.

Despite the objection being dismissed, it remains uncertain whether Shenzhen MengLang’s application has been approved. In response, Acko General Insurance has reached out to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, asserting no affiliation with the Chinese entity and requesting intervention.

Acko General Insurance is keen about disassociating itself from any connection to countries other than India. The insurer has conveyed to the government its dedication to safeguarding its trademark, highlighting the substantial investment of time, resources and effort involved in this endeavor.

Acko’s trademark application was turned down in China due to the country’s policy of granting trademarks to the first applicant, regardless of international recognition. Unlike other nations that acknowledge well-known international trademarks, China follows a first-come, first-served approach.

It’s noteworthy that Acko Technologies, the parent company of Acko General Insurance, has possessed the Acko trademark in India since December 2017.

This comes at a time when a number of Indian startups and tech companies have been in the dock over copyright and trademark infringement cases.

Earlier this year, Elon Musk-led company Tesla filed a case alleging infringement of trademark and unfair trade competition against Delhi NCR-based battery company Tesla Power. On May 2, the HC barred Tesla Power from publishing advertisements, featuring its EV products. It also directed Tesla Power to furnish a reply in connection with the allegations.

Similarly, jeans brand Killer filed a case against Netflix India for alleged trademark infringement by using the word “KILLER” in its new show ‘Killer Soup’.

Last year, a Bengaluru-based company Blinkhit filed a petition in a city civil court and sought to restrain Zomato’s quick commerce major Blinkit from using the trademark.

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