Trademark Infringement through Sound

During my internship at a Mumbai law firm, I observed a trademark infringement case involving a popular Indian snack brand. The plaintiff alleged that the defendant's radio ad used a similar jingle to their well-known brand song. What I found interesting was that the plaintiff relied on the doctrine of "sound marks." In India, trademark laws recognize sounds as a distinctive trademark, not just visual elements. This means that even if the defendant's ad didn't replicate the plaintiff's logo or packaging, the similar sound could still be considered trademark infringement. My textbook had mentioned sound marks but not provided enough case law examples. This experience highlighted the importance of understanding the nuances of trademark law in India.