KSRTC name case: After 7-year long battle, Kerala wins trademark dispute against Karnataka

Kerala Ro Transport Corporation has obtained legal rights to its tremarks,  acronym KSRTC, logo of two elephants, and word 'Ana Vandi', connected with state-run transport corporation after a long judicial battle over intellectual property rights. Kerala's claim was granted on Wednesday, June 3, by Controller General of Patents Designs and Tre Marks, which is part of Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Kerala RTC shall be sole custodian of tremarks as a result of registration. KSRTC with mark to show registration (R) will be displayed on all buses of corporation.

KSRTC name case

Karnataka Dy CM & Transport Min LS Savi said on Thursday, June 3, that "no difference b/w Karnataka-Kerala Transport. As per reports, tremark registry has now ruled that Karnataka shouldn't use KSRTC as Kerala used word before. Once we get an official verdict, we'll decide on a legal fight."

For past seven years, Kerala RTC and Karnataka State Transport Corporation have been battling over term "KSRTC." KSRTC is still used by both RTCs' buses and websites. judgment is likely to clear up passenger misunderstanding over which KSRTC is real deal.  battle over ‘KSRTC' began in 2014 when Karnataka RTC applied for tremark registration. Kerala was jolted awake by legal notice from Karnataka RTC, which compelled it to expedite process of obtaining control of tremark properties.

Kerala wins ‘KSRTC’ acronym 

Kerala State Ro Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is one of country's oldest and best-run public transportation systems. On April 1, 1965, Travancore State Transport Department (TSTD) was renamed Kerala State Ro Transport Corporation. Karnataka RTC has a similar history, except it began as Mysore Government Ro Transport Department before becoming Karnataka Transport Corporation in 1973. KSRTC will also send letters to persons who use tremark name 'Ana Vandi, according to KSRTC CMD Biju Prabhakar. name is used by a number of well-known blogs. KSRTC can seek money for utilizing its tremark now that name is in ir possession, said Biju Prabhakar.

(with inputs from ANI)

Picture Credits: PTI/KeralaSRTC/Twitter