Kathmandu: The Department of Industry has issued a seven-day notice to 10 domestic companies accused of imitating the trademarks of multinational brands, including The Coca-Cola Company. The move follows complaints filed by several international firms alleging misuse of their registered brand identities.
According to a public notice released on Wednesday, the action was taken after repeated complaints from foreign companies claiming that their trademarks were being replicated or misused in Nepal. The department had previously sought written explanations from the accused firms at different times, but said the companies failed to respond or provide satisfactory clarification.
The department has now warned that if the companies do not submit written explanations within seven days, legal action will proceed in accordance with the law. It also stated that any claims made by the companies after the deadline would not be entertained.
Among the complainants, Turner Entertainment has filed cases against two Chitwan- and Bhaktapur-based food companies, while Energy Brands Inc. has lodged complaints against firms in Rupandehi and Kathmandu. Similarly, Trek Bicycle Corporation has raised concerns against a company in Parsa over alleged trademark infringement.
In addition, The Coca-Cola Company has filed multiple complaints against companies in Sunsari. Other cases include Germany’s Hugo Boss against a Jhapa-based fashion firm, Zoom Communications Inc. against another Jhapa-based business, and New Zealand-based Kathmandu Limited against a textile company in Kathmandu over alleged trademark violations.
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