Reliance wins trademark dispute over ‘Vimal’
Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), India’s largest conglomerate, has secured a major legal victory in a long-running trademark dispute surrounding its iconic textile and apparel brand ‘Vimal’. The Delhi High Court ruled in favor of Reliance, affirming its exclusive rights to use the ‘Vimal’ brand name across clothing, fashion, and textile categories.
The case was filed by Reliance against a smaller entity that had launched apparel products under a deceptively similar name, allegedly infringing upon Vimal’s established market identity. The court found the opposing party guilty of trademark violation and ordered them to cease all marketing, sales, and manufacturing of products using any name resembling ‘Vimal’.
Vimal, one of the earliest brands under Reliance’s consumer-facing textile portfolio, dates back to the 1970s. Known for its popular tagline “Only Vimal,” the brand holds a strong legacy in the Indian menswear and suiting market. Though it had seen a decline in prominence with the rise of Reliance’s other ventures, the company has been actively reviving it through premium fabric lines, smart casuals, and formal wear for both domestic and international markets.
Commenting on the court’s ruling, a Reliance spokesperson stated, “We welcome this decision, which upholds the sanctity of intellectual property rights. Vimal is not just a brand, it is a part of India’s retail heritage. We are committed to its revival and expansion, and this verdict protects the brand from dilution.”
Legal experts believe this decision sets a strong precedent for safeguarding legacy brands in India, especially in the textile and fashion industry where knock-offs and unauthorized branding are widespread. “Trademark enforcement is gaining momentum in Indian courts,” said Pooja Sharma, an IP attorney at Singh & Associates. “This verdict reinforces the idea that even older, legacy trademarks are fully protected under current law.”
In recent years, Reliance has restructured its textile division, repositioning Vimal with enhanced design sensibility and focusing on modern silhouettes, sustainability, and omnichannel retailing. The company has also explored synergies between Vimal and its newer brands under Reliance Retail.
Reliance is planning to roll out new collections under the Vimal label this year, incorporating performance fabrics and eco-friendly blends to appeal to younger consumers. Industry insiders suggest the brand could play a key role in Reliance’s strategy to expand its apparel footprint amid growing competition from both domestic labels and international fast fashion giants.
This legal win ensures Vimal’s market positioning remains intact as Reliance doubles down on brand reinvention. As intellectual property becomes a cornerstone of corporate strategy, the Vimal case may encourage other heritage brands to assert their rights more forcefully.
Download Our Free Magazine
Get Industry Insights, Trends & Latest Innovations in the Textile & Apparel Industry
