Sun Pharma Triumphs as Delhi HC Rejects Halt on Pruease Sales

Image Source: Hindustan Times

The Delhi High Court has refused to stop Sun Pharma from selling its Pruease tablets, dismissing a trademark infringement plea by RSPL Health, the makers of Pro-ease sanitary products. RSPL argued that Sun Pharma’s “Pruease” was deceptively similar to their “Pro-ease” brand and could confuse consumers. However, the court found the products were entirely different—Pruease is a medicine for constipation, while Pro-ease is a line of sanitary napkins and related products.

Key points from the judgment:

The court ruled there was no likelihood of confusion because the goods serve distinct purposes, have separate trade channels, and target different consumers.
Sun Pharma explained that its product name was derived from the active ingredient prucalopride, combined with “ease” to indicate relief, making the choice both logical and in line with industry practice.
RSPL’s concern that Sun Pharma might expand into sanitary products was dismissed, as Sun Pharma clarified it had no such intention and even withdrew any opposition to RSPL’s trademark registration for those goods.
The court also noted that RSPL failed to prove a prima facie case or show that it would suffer irreparable harm if Sun Pharma continued selling Pruease.

The decision reinforces that not all similar-sounding trademarks create confusion, especially when the products are unrelated and marketed differently.

This outcome is a clear win for Sun Pharma, allowing Pruease tablets to remain on the shelves and setting a precedent for how courts may view trademark disputes involving unrelated product categories.

Sources: The Economic Times, Verdictum, LiveLaw