A Corporate Dispute, Not a Family Feud: Abhishek Lodha on Trademark Litigation with HoABL
Realty firm Macrotech Developers MD Abhishek Lodha emphasizes that the legal battle with House of Abhinandan Lodha is purely corporate, focused on protecting the 'Lodha' brand.
Real EstateLodha DevelopersTrademark DisputeBombay High CourtCorporate LitigationReal Estate NewsJan 26, 2025
The core issue revolves around the use of the 'Lodha' and 'Lodha Group' trademarks.
Abhishek Lodha, in an interview with PTI, stated that this is a 'pure corporate dispute' and has nothing to do with family ties.
Macrotech Developers recently filed a lawsuit in the Bombay High Court against HoABL, founded by Abhishek's younger brother, Abhinandan Lodha.
The suit alleges trademark infringement and seeks appropriate injunctions, reliefs, and damages.
Abhishek emphasized that while he has no issue with his brother engaging in the real estate business, his company has the right to protect its trademarks.
Macrotech Developers is a leading real estate firm in India, listed on stock exchanges, and has built a strong brand over the past four decades.
On the other hand, HoABL focuses on plotted developments in various cities, including Ayodhya.
Abhishek highlighted that the 'Lodha' brand has been built with significant effort and the company cannot allow it to be diluted.
Abhishek stressed that consumers have the right to know which company they are dealing with.
He also mentioned that Macrotech has top-tier global investors as shareholders, and the company was compelled to file the suit to protect the interests of both consumers and shareholders.
'He is my brother, and I wish him very well.
I have no problem with him doing real estate.
I want him to be successful in every possible way, but not by confusing the consumer that they are dealing with a Lodha group, which is widely recognized as India's top developer,' Abhishek asserted.
He reiterated that the dispute is 'nothing to do with brothers.
It's a pure corporate dispute.'
The matter is scheduled for hearing in the Bombay High Court on Monday.
Abhinandan Lodha had left Macrotech Developers in 2015 to start his own business.
In response to the lawsuit, Abhinandan stated that Macrotech Developers is 'unable to digest' the success of his company.
He said, 'Since Macrotech Developers Ltd has filed a case in the High Court, we will be responding legally.'
Abhinandan also highlighted his contributions to the Lodha brand before his split from the company and mentioned his continued support to Macrotech financially even after leaving.
'I do hope that my family honours all the commitments made to me as I have delivered not only on all my commitments but also beyond, whenever called upon to help with advice, time, and money,' he added.
Macrotech Developers provided detailed reasons for the lawsuit in a regulatory filing on January 22.
The company alleged that Abhinandan Lodha and entities related to him are creating confusion in consumers' minds regarding their association with 'Lodha' and 'Lodha Group.' According to Macrotech, HoABL is marketing its business in a manner that is deceptively similar to the well-known 'Lodha' and 'Lodha Group' brand names.
The company has received numerous customer inquiries and issues related to HoABL, which it sees as evidence of deliberate confusion.
Macrotech emphasized the critical need to protect its intellectual property rights.
Despite the legal battle, the company has reported strong financial performance.
For the quarter ended December, Macrotech recorded an 88% increase in consolidated net profit to Rs 944.4 crore, up from Rs 503.3 crore in the same period last year.
Total income rose to Rs 4,146.6 crore from Rs 2,958.7 crore in the corresponding period of the previous year.
During the April-December period of the 2024-25 fiscal year, Macrotech's net profit more than doubled to Rs 1,842.6 crore from Rs 883.6 crore in the same period the previous year.
Total income increased to Rs 9,749.5 crore from Rs 6,385.6 crore in the corresponding period of the preceding year.
On the operational front, Macrotech achieved Rs 12,820 crore in pre-sales by December, showing a 25% growth.
The company is confident of achieving its sales booking target of Rs 17,500 crore for this fiscal year.
Macrotech has delivered approximately 100 million square feet of real estate and is currently developing over 110 million square feet in its ongoing and planned portfolio.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main issue in the legal dispute between Macrotech Developers and House of Abhinandan Lodha (HoABL)?
The main issue in the legal dispute is the alleged infringement of the 'Lodha' and 'Lodha Group' trademarks by HoABL. Macrotech Developers claims that HoABL is creating confusion among consumers regarding their association with the well-known 'Lodha' brand.
Is this dispute personal between the Lodha brothers?
Abhishek Lodha has emphasized that the dispute is purely corporate and has nothing to do with personal or family ties. He stated that he has no issue with his brother engaging in real estate but wants to protect the 'Lodha' brand from being diluted.
What is Macrotech Developers' financial performance like recently?
Macrotech Developers reported an 88% increase in consolidated net profit to Rs 944.4 crore for the quarter ended December, up from Rs 503.3 crore in the same period last year. Total income also rose to Rs 4,146.6 crore from Rs 2,958.7 crore in the corresponding period of the previous year.
What does Abhinandan Lodha say about the lawsuit?
Abhinandan Lodha responded to the lawsuit by stating that Macrotech Developers is 'unable to digest' the success of his company. He also highlighted his contributions to the Lodha brand before his split from the company and mentioned his continued support to Macrotech financially.
What are Macrotech Developers' plans for the future?
Macrotech Developers is confident of achieving its sales booking target of Rs 17,500 crore for this fiscal year. The company has delivered approximately 100 million square feet of real estate and is currently developing over 110 million square feet in its ongoing and planned portfolio.
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