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BharatPe and PhonePe Resolve Trademark Disputes Over 'Pe' Suffix

By Ritwik Ghosh,Kolkata India

BharatPe and PhonePe Resolve Trademark Disputes Over 'Pe' Suffix

In a notable resolution, fintech titans BharatPe and PhonePe have harmoniously concluded their protracted legal skirmishes concerning the ‘Pe’ suffix trademark. These companies had been ensnared in extensive judicial conflicts spanning half a decade, litigating in various courts.

This settlement heralds the cessation of all ongoing legal proceedings. Progressing forward, PhonePe and BharatPe have initiated the withdrawal of all mutual oppositions from the trademark registry, facilitating the registration of their respective marks. Additionally, both entities will execute requisite measures to adhere to the settlement terms in matters before the Delhi High Court and Bombay High Court.

“This is a progressive stride for the industry. I commend the maturity and professionalism exhibited by both management teams in resolving all pending legal matters,” remarked Rajnish Kumar, chairman of BharatPe’s board.

Echoing this sentiment, Sameer Nigam, founder and CEO of PhonePe, stated, “This resolution will empower both firms to channel our collective energies towards the growth of the Indian fintech sector.”

The genesis of this dispute traces back to 2019, when PhonePe alleged that BharatPe unlawfully appropriated the ‘Pe’ suffix in its application, both in English and Hindi, asserting trademark rights and seeking injunctive relief against the Tiger Global-supported BharatPe.

Insurtech venture BimaPe, which subsequently rebranded as Verak, encountered analogous legal predicaments over the usage of the ‘Pe’ suffix.

 

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