The Delhi High Court has officially declared Nutella, the world-famous hazelnut chocolate spread, a “well-known trademark” in India. This ruling gives extra legal protection to Nutella under the Trade Marks Act, 1999, and is a big win for its Italian owner, Ferrero International SpA.
The court decision came after Ferrero filed a lawsuit against a Thane-based company, MB Enterprises, for selling fake Nutella products. Justice Saurabh Banerjee ruled in favor of Ferrero, saying Nutella has built strong brand value and trust among customers in India and across the world.
Why Nutella Got the Well-Known Status
Ferrero has been selling Nutella globally since 1964 and in India since 1975. The court noted that Nutella completed 50 years in the Indian market in 2014. Over the years, the brand has become very popular among Indian consumers due to its quality, unique packaging, and wide availability.
The court said that Nutella is more than just a product — it’s a brand people trust. Ferrero has spent big on marketing in India: ₹3 crore in 2020-21, ₹7 crore in 2021-22, and ₹16 crore in 2022-23. Its Indian sales in the same years were ₹233 crore, ₹145 crore, and ₹106 crore. These figures clearly show the brand’s strong presence in India.
Nutella is also recognized by international organizations like WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization) and the International Trademark Association.
Fake Nutella Products Found in Thane
The issue started when Ferrero found out that MB Enterprises was making and selling fake Nutella products using similar jars, labels, and logos. In 2021, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) raided the factory and seized nearly 10 lakh fake jars and packaging materials.
The court said this fake business was risky for public health, especially for children, and was clearly meant to cheat customers by copying a trusted brand.
What the Court Ordered
The Delhi High Court permanently stopped MB Enterprises and its team from making, packaging, or selling any fake Nutella or similar products. The company was also ordered to:
Pay ₹30 lakh in damages to Ferrero
Pay ₹2 lakh in legal costs to the Delhi High Court Bar Association Social Welfare Fund
The court said that allowing such fake products in the market would confuse buyers and damage the strong reputation that Nutella has built over the years.