KVIC's case for revocation of BNP khadi trademark pending

The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has filed an application for revocation of the khadi trademark registered by Germany’s Best Natural Products GmbH (BNP) on ‘non-use’ grounds and the proceedings are pending, minister for micro, small and medium enterprises Nitin Gadkari, told the lower house of parliament recently in a written reply.

BNP obtained a ‘khadi’ trademark from the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).

To prevent the misuse of the khadi trademark, the Khadi Village Industries Commission (KVIC) had filed invalidation application against BNP and also filed appeals in the matter, but it could not succeed, he said.

KVIC is also proposing to negotiate with BNP for assignment of its registered trademark in favour of KVIC, the minister informed.

KVIC has already obtained registration under the khadi trademark in Germany, the United Kingdom, Australia, Russia and China, according to an official release.