The Karnataka High Court has restored the Yezdi trademark rights to Boman R. Irani and Classic Legends Pvt. Ltd., overturning a previous ruling that had favored the defunct Ideal Jawa (India) Ltd. This landmark decision clears the road for Classic Legends to continue reviving the Yezdi motorcycle brand in India.
🏍️ The Legacy of Yezdi
For many Indian motorcycling enthusiasts, Yezdi is more than just a brand—it’s a cultural icon. Launched in the 1960s by Ideal Jawa (India) Ltd. in Mysuru, Yezdi motorcycles became synonymous with rugged reliability and youthful freedom. Models like the Roadking and Classic were beloved for their distinctive design and throaty exhaust note.
However, Ideal Jawa shut down operations in the mid-1990s, leaving the Yezdi brand dormant. For decades, enthusiasts hoped for a revival, and that dream began to take shape when Classic Legends Pvt. Ltd., co-founded by Boman Irani and backed by Mahindra & Mahindra, acquired rights to resurrect the brand.
⚖️ The Trademark Dispute
The revival wasn’t without hurdles. In December 2022, a single bench of the Karnataka High Court ruled that Ideal Jawa remained the rightful owner of the Yezdi trademark, even though the company was in liquidation. The court restrained Boman Irani and Classic Legends from using the Yezdi name and ordered cancellation of registrations in their favor.
This ruling threatened to derail Classic Legends’ ambitious plans to bring Yezdi back to Indian roads. However, Irani and Classic Legends appealed, arguing that Ideal Jawa had abandoned the trademark due to non-renewal and non-use since 1996.
🏆 The Victory
In November 2025, a division bench of the Karnataka High Court overturned the earlier ruling. The judges declared that trademark rights dissipate through non-renewal or non-use, and once abandoned, they enter the public domain. This meant that Classic Legends and Boman Irani had legitimate rights to register and use the Yezdi trademark.
The court’s decision is significant because it reaffirms the principle that brands must remain active to retain legal protection. Ideal Jawa’s failure to renew the trademark for over 15 years effectively ended its claim, paving the way for Classic Legends to carry the Yezdi legacy forward.
🚀 What This Means for Classic Legends
With the legal cloud lifted, Classic Legends can now fully focus on expanding the Yezdi lineup. Since its revival in 2022, Yezdi has already launched models like the Yezdi Roadster, Scrambler, and Adventure, targeting India’s growing premium motorcycle segment.
The victory ensures:
- Brand Stability: Customers and dealers can invest in Yezdi motorcycles without fear of legal uncertainty.
- Expansion Plans: Classic Legends can introduce new models and expand into international markets.
- Cultural Continuity: The Yezdi name, steeped in nostalgia, remains legally tied to its revival story rather than being locked in liquidation.
🌍 Broader Implications for Indian Brands
This case highlights an important lesson for Indian companies: trademarks must be actively maintained. Abandoned or unused trademarks can be claimed by new entrants, ensuring that iconic names don’t remain trapped in legal limbo.
For the Indian motorcycle industry, the ruling also underscores the growing importance of heritage brands. Just as Royal Enfield leveraged its legacy to dominate the mid-size motorcycle market, Yezdi now has the opportunity to carve out its own niche by blending nostalgia with modern engineering.
🏁 Final Thoughts
The Karnataka High Court’s decision to restore the Yezdi trademark to Boman Irani and Classic Legends is more than just a legal victory—it’s a cultural milestone. It ensures that one of India’s most beloved motorcycle brands can continue its journey, not as a relic of the past, but as a vibrant player in the future of motorcycling.
For enthusiasts, this means more Yezdi motorcycles roaring back onto Indian roads. For Classic Legends, it’s validation of their vision to revive heritage brands with modern technology. And for Indian industry, it’s a reminder that heritage must be preserved through active stewardship, not left to fade away in liquidation files.
Hello, my name is Himanshu Kumar and I am an experienced Digital Marketer. I have been blogging for the last 4 years and I have special interest in SEO. Here I give you easy bikes and writes easy-to-understand reviews and news about the latest bikes, helping readers choose the best options.. My aim is to always provide you with accurate, new and useful information.
