Lodha Brothers Trademark Dispute: Macrotech Developers Sues Abhinandan Lodha
Macrotech Developers, led by Abhishek Lodha, has filed a lawsuit against his younger brother, Abhinandan Lodha, over the use of the 'Lodha' trademark. The company aims to protect its brand reputation and investor interests.
Macrotech DevelopersAbhinandan LodhaTrademark DisputeReal EstateLodha GroupReal Estate NewsJan 26, 2025
The suit, filed in the Bombay High Court, seeks to protect the 'Lodha' and 'Lodha Group' brand names, which Macrotech claims are being misused by HoABL, leading to market confusion.
In an interview with PTI, Abhishek Lodha, Managing Director of Macrotech Developers, addressed the dispute, emphasizing that it is a corporate matter and not a personal one.
'He (Abhinandan) is my brother, and I have a lot of affection for him.
I have done everything I could to support him, and I wish him the very best.
However, this is a litigation on a very simple point of trademark,' Abhishek stated.
The 'Lodha' brand has been built over four decades with significant effort, and Macrotech is committed to protecting it.
'As a company, we cannot allow our brand to get diluted.
We have some of the top investors in the world as our shareholders, and it is our duty to protect their interests,' Abhishek added.
Macrotech Developers is listed on stock exchanges and is recognized as a leading real estate firm.
On the other hand, HoABL focuses on plotted developments in various cities, including Ayodhya.
Despite their differences, Abhishek expressed his personal support for his brother's success, stating, 'I have no problem with him doing real estate.
I want him to be successful in every possible way, but not by confusing consumers.'
The matter is scheduled for a hearing in the Bombay High Court.
Abhinandan Lodha, who left Macrotech Developers in 2015 to start his own business, responded to the lawsuit, accusing Macrotech of being unable to handle his success.
'Since Macrotech Developers Ltd has filed a case in the High Court, we will be responding legally,' Abhinandan said, highlighting his contributions to the Lodha brand before his departure.
Abhinandan also mentioned that he has financially supported Macrotech even after their separation.
'I do hope that my family honors all the commitments made to me, as I have delivered on all my commitments and even beyond,' he added.
In a regulatory filing on January 22, Macrotech Developers detailed the reasons behind the lawsuit.
They alleged that Abhinandan Lodha and related entities are creating confusion in the market by marketing their business in a manner deceptively similar to the 'Lodha' and 'Lodha Group' brands.
This has led to numerous customer inquiries and issues, highlighting the deliberate confusion being created.
Macrotech Developers reported an 88% increase in its consolidated net profit to Rs 944.4 crore for the quarter ended December 2023, driven by strong housing demand.
The company's net profit stood at Rs 503.3 crore in the year-ago period.
Total income rose to Rs 4,146.6 crore in the third quarter of this fiscal year from Rs 2,958.7 crore in the same period last year.
For 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 corresponding period of the previous year.
Total income rose to Rs 9,749.5 crore from Rs 6,385.6 crore.
On the operational front, Macrotech has achieved Rs 12,820 crore in pre-sales till December, showing 25% growth.
The company is confident of achieving its sales booking target of Rs 17,500 crore for this fiscal year.
Macrotech Developers has delivered around 100 million square feet of real estate and is currently developing over 110 million square feet under its ongoing and planned portfolio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Macrotech Developers file a lawsuit against Abhinandan Lodha?
Macrotech Developers filed a lawsuit against Abhinandan Lodha to protect the 'Lodha' and 'Lodha Group' trademarks, which they claim are being misused by HoABL, leading to market confusion.
What does Macrotech Developers do?
Macrotech Developers is a leading real estate firm in India, listed on stock exchanges, and known for its significant real estate developments and strong market presence.
What is House of Abhinandan Lodha (HoABL) involved in?
House of Abhinandan Lodha (HoABL) focuses on plotted developments in various cities, including Ayodhya, and is run by Abhinandan Lodha, the younger brother of Abhishek Lodha.
What has been Abhishek Lodha's stance in this dispute?
Abhishek Lodha has stated that the dispute is purely corporate and not personal, emphasizing his affection for his brother and his company's commitment to protecting the 'Lodha' brand.
What has been the financial performance of Macrotech Developers recently?
Macrotech Developers reported an 88% increase in its consolidated net profit to Rs 944.4 crore for the quarter ended December 2023, driven by strong housing demand. Total income rose to Rs 4,146.6 crore in the third quarter of this fiscal year.
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