The long-running trademark dispute between real estate heirs Abhishek and Abhinandan Lodha has taken new and dramatic turns, with their mother, Manju Lodha, stepping forward to urge reconciliation.
On February 21, Manju Lodha wrote to her sons, appealing for the immediate cessation of their legal battle over the use of the "Lodha" name and reminding them of the 2017 Amended Family Agreement, which she emphasized as the pivotal document guiding them toward resolution. This intervention coincides with the Bombay High Court's recent appointment of retired Supreme Court Justice R.V. Raveendran as mediator, tasked with facilitating peace between the brothers.
The heart of the conflict revolves around the use of the "Lodha" trademark. Abhishek Lodha, who heads the publicly listed Macrotech Developers, has accused Abhinandan Lodha's business of trademark infringement. Macrotech Developers has filed a lawsuit demanding Rs 5,000 crore, alleging Abhinandan's use of the family name misleads customers and creates brand confusion. Given the Lodha family's prominence within India's real estate sector, this case has garnered substantial media attention.
Manju Lodha's heartfelt letter included six directives aimed at restoring peace:
- Respect each other
- Avoid public disputes
- Keep business affairs separate
- Abide by the 2017 family agreement
- Recognize each has no claim over the other’s business
- Settle matters privately rather than resorting to the court
She reiterated the family’s rationale behind their ownership structure as documented legally, stating, “The final arrangement within our family was documented in our Amended Family Agreement (on March 31, 2017). We confirm both of you have no right of any form in the other brother’s business or assets or shareholding.” Manju also cautioned against the reference made to the 2023 family agreement, which could complicate matters even more.
The brothers, who have distinct reactions to their mother's plea, have made statements concerning the issue. Abhishek Lodha welcomed her intervention, asserting his intention to follow her directives. He emphasized the 2017 agreement's clear stipulations granting Macrotech Developers sole rights over the "Lodha" brand. “I respect my mother’s letter and will abide by it. The 2017 agreement clearly states the Lodha real estate business and its IPR, including the trade name ‘Lodha,’ is owned by, and will exclusively be used by, Macrotech / Lodha Developers. I wish my younger brother, Abhinandan, all success in his business,” he conveyed via email.
Conversely, Abhinandan Lodha expressed disappointment over the public disclosure of their mother’s letter. He referred to it as part of creating a “false narrative,” arguing, “Abhinandan Lodha continues to believe family matters should not be settled in public. This is the reason he chose to maintain dignified silence for over 10 years. He does hope his family honors all commitments made to him,” stated a spokesperson for Lodha Ventures.
The roots of this dispute trace back to 2015 when Abhinandan separated from the Lodha Group to pursue his independent real estate venture. The 2017 family agreement seemingly confirmed their split but sparked tensions due to Abhinandan’s use of the “Lodha” name. The situation escalated when Macrotech Developers initiated litigation at the Bombay High Court, claiming trademark violations and pursuing damages of Rs 5,000 crore.
This complex battle is now under mediation, with legal filings due to be completed. If mediation proves unsuccessful, the Bombay High Court has scheduled hearings on March 21, 2025, where the fate of the family name and their businesses could be determined.
With emotions running high and stakes as steep as millions of rupees, will the Lodha brothers heed their mother’s heartfelt plea and bring resolution to their long-standing feud? Or will their legal battle escalate, attracting even more attention to their prominent family name?