Mars and Cadbury End a 25-Year Trademark Battle Over “Celebrations”
For nearly 25 years, two confectionery giants, Mars Incorporated and Cadbury, were locked in a legal contest over the trademark “CELEBRATIONS.” On October 10, 2025, the Delhi High Court finally brought the curtain down on this protracted dispute, not through judgment, but through mutual settlement.
What Was the Dispute About?
The trademark “CELEBRATIONS” became the centre of multiple opposition and rectification proceedings before the Indian Trade Marks Registry. Mars had filed oppositions against Cadbury’s applications for “CELEBRATIONS” and “CADBURY CELEBRATIONS” in Class 30, while Cadbury had challenged Mars’ registrations and applications for the same mark. The case wound through pleadings, affidavits, and hearings for almost a quarter of a century.
The Settlement Terms
Under a settlement agreement dated July 3, 2025, both parties agreed to withdraw all pending oppositions and rectification proceedings before the Trade Marks Registry. Mars agreed to withdraw opposition proceedings against Cadbury’s “CELEBRATIONS” and “CADBURY CELEBRATIONS” marks, while Cadbury withdrew its oppositions and rectification petitions against Mars’ “CELEBRATIONS” registrations. The parties confirmed they had no further claims against each other and that all disputes were amicably resolved.
A Goodwill Gesture for Diwali
In a symbolic act befitting the disputed trademark, both Mars and Cadbury voluntarily committed to distribute ₹5 lakh worth of confectionery products each to schoolchildren in government and government-aided schools across Delhi before Diwali. Justice Sanjeev Narula approved the settlement and praised the gesture as a reflection that “corporate rivalry need not eclipse social responsibility.”
Why This Matters
This case demonstrates that even decades-long IP disputes can find resolution through mutual consent and goodwill. Settlement not only saves judicial time and legal costs but also allows brands to redirect focus from litigation to business.
Final Thoughts
Long-standing trademark conflicts like this highlight the importance of proactive brand protection. Regular monitoring and early legal action can prevent disputes from escalating into decades-long battles.
