In a significant development in the trademark dispute over the 'Massey Ferguson' brand, the Madras High Court on November 18, 2024, overturned an interim injunction that had previously restrained AGCO, a global leader in agricultural machinery, from asserting its trademark rights in India, a statement, dated 19th November, from AGCO stated.
AGCO is the registered proprietor and owner of the Massey Ferguson trademarks globally, including in India, and the court held that the injunction against AGCO was unjustified.
According to the statement, the ruling marks another victory for AGCO in an ongoing legal battle with Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited (TAFE), which has used the Massey Ferguson brand under a licensing agreement for over six decades. AGCO has consistently secured favourable decisions in the dispute, including dismissals of TAFE’s claims on jurisdiction, contempt of court, supply arrangements, and brand ownership across various judicial forums, including the Supreme Court of India.
AGCO, in its statement, reaffirmed its unwavering ownership of the 177-year-old Massey Ferguson brand and its commitment to Indian farmers. “India is critical for the future of agriculture, and AGCO is dedicated to delivering high-quality equipment to Indian farmers to enhance their profitability and farming practices,” the statement read.
However, the legal tussle is far from over. According to a media release issued by TAFE on the same day, a Division Bench of the Madras High Court directed the maintenance of the status quo regarding TAFE’s use of the Massey Ferguson brand, recognising its long-standing association with the brand in India. The court also referred the ownership and related issues to be adjudicated by a Single Judge of the Madras High Court, where the case is currently pending.
TAFE highlighted that the status quo order, in place since April 2024, continues to protect its rights to the Massey Ferguson brand. The company underscored its six-decade relationship with the brand and reiterated its commitment to defending its position in court.
With both parties expressing confidence in their claims, the outcome of the case could set significant precedents for intellectual property disputes in India’s agricultural and manufacturing sectors.
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TAFE Secures Interim Victory Over Massey Ferguson Brand Ownership Dispute