The Delhi High Court on Monday disposed off a 16-year-old case relating the trademark of Delhi’s iconic ‘The Imperial’ hotel after the members of Akoi family, who own and operate the hotel, reached a settlement.The settlement acknowledged that the trademark “Imperial” is jointly owned by Hardev Singh Akoi (50 per cent) and his brother Jasdev Singh Akoi’s children, Raidev Singh Akoi (25 per cent), and Gobind Singh Akoi (25 per cent).

“In terms of the settlement, the families of Hardev Singh Akoi and late Jasdev Singh Akoi admit/acknowledge that as on date, Hardev Singh Akoi [50%], Raidev Singh Akoi [25%] and Gobind Singh Akoi [25%] are the joint and exclusive owners of the trademark: Imperial and that no one will separately apply or have any rights in the trademark: Imperial or any other trade mark, trade name, copyright, whether registered or unregistered, identical or deceptively similar,” said Justice Mini Pushkarna of Delhi High Court in the order.

The Imperial, New Delhi, is a historic landmark that has witnessed significant events in India’s history. Established in 1931, the hotel has been a favourite among dignitaries and celebrities alike. It was founded by SBS Ranjit Singh, who passed it on to Rajdev Singh. Jasdev and Hardev were the children of Rajdev Singh. It was conceptualised in 1934 and officially opened in 1936 by Lord Willingdon, the Viceroy of India.

During India’s struggle for Independence, the hotel served as a meeting place for prominent leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. The Round Table Conferences, crucial discussions between British and Indian leaders, were held there. Post-independence, the hotel continued to be a hub for political and social gatherings.

The HC also found the settlement terms lawful and confirmed that no other disputes related to the trademark were pending. The parties agreed not to make individual applications for or claim rights in the trademark or any deceptively similar marks.

“It is submitted on behalf of the parties that during the pendency of the present proceedings, in order to maintain family peace, harmony and goodwill, all the family members have mutually agreed to settle the present suit amicably,” read the order.

The HC accepted the settlement, decreeing the suit based on the agreed terms. It directed that the application, containing the original signatures of all parties, be placed in the case file. The Court also instructed that a decree sheet be drawn up and canceled all pending hearings.

The dispute concerns the trademark “Imperial” and its lion logo, which were considered symbols of a prestigious hotel’s goodwill. Brothers Hardev Singh Akoi and Jasdev Singh Akoi, joint owners of the hotel, disagreed over certain alterations to the trademark and its use.

Alleging unilateral changes by Jasdev Singh Akoi, Hardev Singh Akoi sought court intervention to maintain the trademark’s integrity and prevent unauthorised use.

The hotel was built by Sandhu Jat Jagirdar S.B.S. Ranjit Singh, son of R.B.S. Narain Singh, honoured by the British Raj, at the Coronation Durbar of 1911, when New Delhi was declared the new Capital of India. The hotel was officially opened in 1936 by Lord Willingdon, the Viceroy of India. Also present was his wife, Lady Willingdon, who chose the hotel’s name and conferred its lion insignia upon it.