Karnataka High Court Restores Yezdi Trademark to Boman Irani and Classic Legends, Ending Decades-Long Dispute
Court rules Ideal Jawa abandoned Yezdi trademark through non-use and non-renewal since 1996
Victory gives Classic Legends clear rights to revive Yezdi motorcycles for a new generation of riders
By Our Legal Reporter
New Delhi: December 01, 2025:
In a landmark judgment, the Karnataka High Court has restored the rights to the iconic Yezdi trademark to industrialist Boman R. Irani and his company Classic Legends Pvt. Ltd., overturning a 2022 single bench order that had favoured the long-defunct Ideal Jawa (India) Ltd. This ruling marks the end of a prolonged legal battle and paves the way for the revival of one of India’s most beloved motorcycle brands.
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Background of the Dispute
The Yezdi motorcycle, once a household name in India, was manufactured by Ideal Jawa in Mysuru until production ceased in 1996. The company went into liquidation in 2001, leaving behind unpaid creditors and unresolved trademark issues. Between 2007 and 2008, the Yezdi trademark registrations lapsed due to non-renewal. Neither Ideal Jawa nor its liquidator attempted to renew or protect the trademark during this period.
In contrast, Boman Irani, who had a personal and family connection to the Yezdi name, applied for fresh registrations starting in 2013. He actively defended the mark against third-party claims, including in the Delhi High Court, and later partnered with Mahindra Group and Anupam Thareja to form Classic Legends in 2015, with the express goal of reviving Yezdi motorcycles.
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The 2022 Single Bench Order
In December 2022, a single judge of the Karnataka High Court ruled that the Yezdi trademark still belonged to Ideal Jawa, despite its liquidation. The order restrained Irani and Classic Legends from using the Yezdi name, cancelled Irani’s registrations, and directed that the trademarks be transferred to the company in liquidation. This decision created uncertainty for Classic Legends, dealers, and investors.
The Division Bench Ruling
On November 30, 2025, a division bench comprising Justices D.K. Singh and Venkatesh Naik T. overturned the 2022 order. The court held that trademark rights cannot survive without active use and renewal. Since Ideal Jawa had abandoned the mark for nearly two decades, the court ruled that the goodwill attached to Yezdi had effectively died out.
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The bench emphasized that trademarks are intangible rights tied to continuous use, not physical assets that can be auctioned years later. By failing to renew registrations or list Yezdi as an asset during liquidation, Ideal Jawa had forfeited its claim.
Why the Court Favored Irani
The court recognized Irani’s efforts to keep Yezdi alive. He maintained the yezdi.com domain, secured fresh registrations, and invested in reviving the brand through Classic Legends. These actions demonstrated active stewardship, in sharp contrast to Ideal Jawa’s abandonment.
The ruling validates Irani’s registrations under the Trademarks Act, giving Classic Legends clear title over Yezdi. This clarity strengthens the company’s legal standing with suppliers, dealers, and financial partners.
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Industry Impact
The judgment is seen as a precedent-setting case in India’s intellectual property law. It sends a strong message: companies cannot rely on nostalgia or old balance sheets to reclaim dormant brands. If a trademark is abandoned, it must be lawfully re-registered and actively used.
For the motorcycle industry, this ruling provides certainty at a time when several legacy brands from the two-stroke era are being considered for revival. It ensures that only those who invest in keeping old brands relevant can claim ownership.
Reactions from Stakeholders
- Boman Irani called the verdict “a moment beyond personal victory,” highlighting that it validates years of lawful effort to revive Yezdi.
- Anand Mahindra, co-founder of Classic Legends, described it as a precedent that discourages opportunistic claims and rewards genuine investment.
- Anupam Thareja, another co-founder, stressed that Classic Legends will now accelerate plans to make Yezdi meaningful for a new generation of riders.
What This Means for Yezdi Motorcycles
With the legal cloud lifted, Classic Legends can now confidently expand Yezdi’s presence in India. The company already manufactures models such as the Yezdi Roadster, Adventure, and Scrambler, and is expected to introduce new designs, including electric variants, in the coming years.
Dealers and suppliers, who were previously cautious due to the ongoing litigation, now have a secure foundation for long-term contracts. Investors too are likely to show greater confidence in Classic Legends’ revival strategy.
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Broader Lessons in Trademark Law
The case highlights the importance of continuous use and renewal in trademark law. Unlike physical assets, trademarks derive their value from active commercial presence. Once abandoned, they cannot be reclaimed decades later simply to settle debts.
This ruling also underscores the role of courts in balancing heritage with modern business realities. While Ideal Jawa’s legacy is respected, the law favours those who actively nurture and invest in a brand.
Conclusion
The Karnataka High Court’s decision to restore the Yezdi trademark to Boman Irani and Classic Legends is more than a legal victory—it is a turning point in India’s motorcycle industry. It ensures that Yezdi, once a nostalgic memory, now has a living future on Indian roads.
For riders, dealers, and investors, the ruling provides clarity and confidence. For the legal community, it sets a precedent on how abandoned trademarks should be treated. And for Classic Legends, it opens the road ahead for Yezdi to roar back into relevance.
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