The Delhi High Court decreed the trademark dispute between Mars and Cadbury in terms of a joint settlement, bringing an end to decades of global rivalry over the brand name “CELEBRATIONS.” The court recorded the amicable resolution and both companies’ voluntary decision to distribute confectionery worth Rs. 5 lakh each to Delhi schoolchildren as a Diwali goodwill gesture.
Mars Incorporated had filed the original lawsuit against Cadbury (later substituted by Mondelez UK Holdings & Services Ltd.) in 2018, seeking permanent injunction, damages, and cancellation of trademark registrations over the mark “CELEBRATIONS” used by Cadbury for its assorted chocolate gift boxes.
Mars claimed prior global use of “CELEBRATIONS” for its confectionery line, whereas Cadbury countered with its own long-standing use and opposition to Mars’ registration in India under Classes 30 and 35 of the Trade Marks Act, 1999.
The dispute spanned nearly 25 years, involving numerous oppositions and rectification proceedings at the Trade Marks Registry between both parties for variants of “CELEBRATIONS” and “CADBURY CELEBRATIONS.” Following extensive litigation, both parties reached a global settlement agreement on 3 July 2025.
The Bench comprising Justice Sanjeev Narula did not adjudicate on substantive trademark validity. By consent, the Court decreed the suit in terms of the parties’ settlement. All corresponding opposition, rectification, and registry proceedings concerning “CELEBRATIONS” were to be formally withdrawn.
As a symbolic conclusion, both Mars and Cadbury undertook to distribute confectionery assortments worth Rs. 5 lakh each to schoolchildren in Delhi government and government-aided schools under the supervision of the Directorate of Education (GNCTD) and the Delhi State Legal Services Authority (DSLSA).
The court directed compliance affidavits from both companies post-distribution, allowing flexibility for substitution of products if schools objected on health grounds.
