Mumbai: A new dispute has emerged concerning the usage of the ‘Reliance’ brand name, as Anil Ambani has moved the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) against the Hinduja Group. Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Ventures Private Limited, owned by Anil Ambani, has filed a petition requesting the tribunal to bar IndusInd International Holdings (IIHL), a Hinduja Group entity, from using the Reliance name after executing its resolution plan for the debt-ridden Reliance Capital.
The NCLT is scheduled to hear the case on Tuesday.
The controversy centres around the ownership of the Reliance brand, a legacy tied to the Ambani family. The petition argues that the Reliance name should exclusively remain under the control of the Ambani brothers, Mukesh and Anil, and their respective companies. The move comes as Jio Financial Services, controlled by Mukesh Ambani, is set to launch its own financial services, raising concerns that the usage of the Reliance name by another entity could create market confusion.
IIHL recently acquired Reliance Capital after paying ₹9,641 crore to its lenders. Reliance Capital, which had defaulted on repayments of ₹25,000 crore, was auctioned off, with IIHL’s bid being approved in June 2023. The NCLT had, in February, granted IIHL the right to use the Reliance name for three years as part of the resolution process.
However, Anil Ambani’s petition claims that this decision was made without considering his company’s stance. It asserts that the Reliance brand is inextricably linked to the Ambani family and that any non-Ambani usage could dilute its value and cause reputational harm.
The outcome of this legal battle could have significant implications for brand ownership rights and the broader market presence of the Ambani-led businesses.
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