Delhi HC: Court Declines Return of Plaint in Sun Pharma Trademark Suit

The Delhi High Court refused to return the plaint in a trademark infringement suit filed by Sun Pharma against Artura Pharma. The defendant argued lack of territorial jurisdiction, claiming no substantial cause of action arose in Delhi. However, the Court held that part of the cause of action—such as market presence, accessibility of products, and online availability—was sufficient to vest jurisdiction under Section 20 of the CPC. The decision reaffirms the broad interpretation of territorial jurisdiction in IP cases, particularly when infringing products are accessible via digital or nationwide distribution channels. The Court emphasized that plaintiffs need only show a prima facie link between the forum and the alleged infringement. This ruling strengthens rights-holders’ ability to pursue IP litigation in technologically interconnected markets and highlights judicial sensitivity to modern commerce dynamics, ensuring effective IP enforcement even when infringing acts occur across multiple forums.