Boman Irani, Classic Legends Win Yezdi Trademark Case

A division bench of the Karnataka High Court has ruled that Boman R. Irani, co-founder of Classic Legends, holds the valid rights to the Yezdi trademark. The High Court has overturned a previous single judge ruling and declared that Ideal Jawa’s prolonged non-use and failure to renew trademark registrations amounted to abandonment and reaffirmed Irani’s legitimate rights over the brand.

Also Read: 2025 Yezdi Roadster First Ride Review

The High Court observed that Ideal Jawa (India) Pvt Ltd had stopped using the trademark after production of the motorcycles with the Yezdi brand stopped in 1996, allowed registrations to lapse, and took no steps to protect it. The court said that the Official Liquidator did not renew the registration of the trademarks, which expired between 2007 and 2013 though the trademark authority had served notices.

Also Read: Karnataka HC Restrains Classic Legends From Using Yezdi Brand

In its November 27, 2025 order, the High Court said that both Ideal Jawa and the Official Liquidator were inactive in using or renewing the trademark. The OL cannot claim ignorance of the trademark’s existence when Yezdi was Ideal Jawa’s sole business. With no business for 30 years, no renewal, no use, no protection, and trademark not even mentioned in asset sales, goodwill was extinguished, the HC noted.

The court overturned a previous order of a single judge from 2022 which had declared that Ideal Jawa (India) Ltd, Mysuru owned the Yezdi trademark and restrained Irani, Classic Legends and others from using the trademark “Yezdi.” The division bench of the High Court has noted that the dues owed to Ideal Jawa in liquidation have no connection to the value of its trademark, saying that the Official Liquidator cannot equate alleged debts with trademark value.

Also Read: Yezdi Motorcycles Re-Launched With 3 Models

Reacting to the judgement, Boman Irani, Co-founder of Classic Legends and Chairman and MD of Rustomjee Group, said, “The verdict feels much more momentous than a fateful personal victory for my family’s legacy. It reaffirms that the perseverance in keeping heritage brands alive never goes unrewarded. The honourable court and judges have supported our efforts to renew Yezdi through innovation and lawful means.”

Boman Irani’s father drew the Yezdi insignia on a piece of paper when Czech motorcycle brand Jawa’s original licensing agreement with Ideal Jawa ceased in 1969. The Yezdi brand was then created to continue producing the iconic machines. Ideal Jawa stopped production in 1996 and was liquidated in 2001.

Also Read: 2022 Yezdi Scrambler First Ride Review

While Ideal Jawa and the Official Liquidator failed to renew the trademark registrations, the HC noted that Boman Irani worked proactively to revive the legendary brand, first by lawfully acquiring the requisite trademark registrations in 2013-14. He eventually partnered with Anupam Thareja and the Mahindra Group to co-found Classic Legends in 2015, with the sole aim of bringing back the glorious days of the Yezdi brand. Classic Legends re-launched the Yezdi brand with three models in 2022.