Chennai-based restaurant asked to remove ‘Zara’ from its name

While ordering Chennai-based eatery ‘Zara Tapas Bar’ to change its name, justice GP Mittal acknowledged the Spanish brand’s reputation. The suit against the restaurant was filed by the retail clothing giant which was opposed by the former saying Zara was a common name, and since the areas of service were different, the similarity was unlikely to cause any confusion to consumers.

The court added that Zara the clothing brand had acquired a cross-border reputation, and the name had become synonymous with the retailer. HC has given the defendants some time to remove the signage and other promotional materials using the trademark Zara from its restaurant premises.

Zara continues to replicate the same model that has worked for it globally, that is: creating affordable, copied versions of the latest in trend or designer-wear and making them available to shoppers at a faster pace. Inditex not only owns Zara, but it also takes care of every bit of operations, from design to distribution and a large chunk of manufacturing. If a new style is not a hit within a week, it goes off the shelves instantly. Also, its prices are at least 20 per cent lower than its main competitors Mango and Vero Moda in some categories. According to experts, even before the brand entered the country in 2010, it’s online sales from India was highest in the world.