Taj Hotels’ Sound Mark Registration: Expanding Trademark Protection Beyond Visual Identity

Background of the Registration:-

Firstly, in a significant development in the realm of intellectual property law, a sound mark has been registered in favour of Taj Hotels. The registration has been granted to The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), the entity responsible for operating the Taj Hotels brand. As a result, trademark protection has been extended beyond conventional visual identifiers such as logos and word marks.

Meaning and Scope of a Sound Mark:-

To begin with, a sound mark is recognised as a non-conventional trademark through which a distinctive sound is protected as a source identifier. In other words, brand recognition is created through auditory perception rather than visual representation. Consequently, consumers are enabled to associate a specific sound exclusively with the services of a particular brand.

Significance of the Registration for Taj Hotels:-

Importantly, with the grant of this registration, exclusive legal rights over the registered sound have been secured by IHCL. Therefore, unauthorised use, imitation, or reproduction of the sound can now be legally restricted. Moreover, a stronger and more immersive brand recall has been ensured by incorporating an additional sensory dimension into the Taj Hotels brand identity.

Application to Hospitality and Digital Services:-

Notably, the sound mark has been registered for hospitality as well as digital services. In the present digital era, customer engagement increasingly takes place through online platforms, mobile applications, and digital interfaces. Accordingly, a consistent audio identity has been established to reinforce Taj Hotels’ presence across both physical and digital touchpoints.

Evolving Recognition of Non-Conventional Trademarks in India:-

Meanwhile, a gradual but clear shift has been observed in Indian trademark jurisprudence towards the recognition of non-traditional marks, including sound marks. Provided that statutory requirements such as distinctiveness and graphical representation are fulfilled, protection is being granted to such marks. Hence, the registration in favour of Taj Hotels reflects the progressive evolution of India’s trademark regime.

Conclusion:-

In conclusion, the sound mark registration granted to Taj Hotels represents a noteworthy advancement in modern brand protection strategies. Ultimately, by securing trademark rights beyond visual identity, the brand’s legacy has been effectively aligned with contemporary digital and sensory branding practices. This development sets an important precedent for service-oriented brands seeking innovative approaches to intellectual property protection in India.

Source Links:-

1. Indian Hotels Company press release — IHCL secures India’s first hospitality sound mark
   https://www.ihcltata.com/press-room/ihcl-secures-indias-first-sound-mark-registration-in-hospitality

2. Business Standard — IHCL gets India’s 1st sound mark registration in hospitality for Taj brand
   https://www.business-standard.com/companies/news/ihcl-gets-india-s-1st-sound-mark-registration-in-hospitality-for-taj-brand-126011200480_1.html

3. Economic Times — IHCL secures India’s first sound mark registration in hospitality
   https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/services/hotels-/-restaurants/ihcl-secures-indias-first-sound-mark-registration-in-hospitality-for-taj-brand/articleshow/126479668.cms

4. Hotelier India — IHCL secures trademark registration for Taj’s iconic sonic sound
   https://www.hotelierindia.com/development/ihcl-secures-trademark-registration-for-tajs-iconic-sonic-sound

5. LegalEraOnline — Taj Hotels registers signature sound as trademark
   https://www.legaleraonline.com/india/taj-hotels-registers-signature-sound-as-trademark-expanding-brand-protection-beyond-visual-identity-976817

✍️ Adv. Mamta Singh Shukla
Supreme Court of India | PoSH Trainer

Finally, the article was originally published by Vijay Foundation. For more legal and public-interest articles, readers may visit vijayfoundations.com.