07/04/2010 Gandhi vs Mont Blanc

Pen manufacturer Mont Blanc has fallen foul of India’s Centre for Consumer Education (CCE) regarding the use of a portrait of Mahatma Gandhi for a “limited edition” of one of its fountain pens. Mont Blanc is hoping to market its Gandhi pen for nearly € 16,000.

Pretext of veneration
The CCE has now filed a petition in India against Mont Blanc. It claims that the commercial use of Ghandi’s name and image infringes the Emblems and Names Act (1950). CCE’s lawyers described those behind the initiative as ‘money-minded people to misuse the greatness of the Father of the Nation by using him as poster boy for commercial gains under the pretext that they are honouring him’.

Great-grandson
The CCE also directed its criticism at the great-grandson of the Mahatma, who gave permission for the commercial use of Gandhi’s image in exchange for a donation to the Navjivan Trust, of which he is chairman.

Settlement imminent?
However, a recent article in World Trademark Report (WTR) suggests that the dispute will soon be settled. According to WTR, the CCE withdrew its objection after Mont Blanc had pledged a substantial sum to charity. A court case is to follow, but it will apparently only be used to confirm the settlement between the parties.