Trademark Deception Awareness Workshop by CNLU

CNLU, Patna, through its DPIIT-IPR Chair and CIRF-in-IPHD, is organising a National Consumer Awareness Workshop on “Mitigating Deception in Trademark Practices.” The event will be conducted on 6th December 2025 (Saturday) from 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM on Microsoft Teams.

• Free Registration | Open for All
• Registration Link: Click Here

Why Trademark Awareness Matters for Consumers

A trademark represents trust, authenticity, and consistency. It helps consumers:

• Recognise genuine products
• Avoid counterfeit or deceptively similar goods
• Make informed buying decisions
• Rely on brands that maintain quality

However, many consumers still fall prey to deceptively similar products, such as Colgate vs. Colgatte, Bisleri vs. Bilseri, or JimJam vs. JamJam. These minor changes in spelling or design mislead consumers and pose risks to health, safety, and finances.

This workshop aims to bridge that awareness gap and empower consumers with the knowledge needed to safeguard their rights.

Role of Trademarks in Modern Consumer Behaviour

In today’s fast-paced markets, consumers often make instant decisions. A familiar trademark triggers:

• Recognition
• Trust
• Reliability
• Brand loyalty

Crowded shelves and online marketplaces amplify the need for clear and distinctive trademarks to prevent confusion. When trademarks are copied or misused, consumers become vulnerable to deception, fraud, and unfair trade practices.

Workshop Sub-Themes and Key Focus Areas

The National Consumer Awareness Workshop will explore a wide range of topics related to trademark protection, consumer rights, and deceptive practices, including:

1. Need for Consumer Awareness on Trademarks

Understanding how trademarks protect consumers and ensure fair competition.

2. Types of Trademarks

Overview of various trademark forms—names, logos, shapes, sound marks, and more.

3. Registered vs. Unregistered Trademarks

How rights differ and how deceptively similar marks cause confusion.

4. Distinctiveness & Deception Prevention

Ensuring trademarks are unique and not misleading to the public.

5. Dishonest Use of Trademarks

Addressing counterfeit goods and brand imitation.

6. Pre-Sale and Post-Sale Confusion

How consumers can be misled both before and after purchasing.

7. Initial Interest and Reverse Confusion

Cases where consumers are misled even if confusion is temporary.

8. Unfair Trade Practices & Deceptively Similar Marks

Impact on consumer trust, competition, and safety.

9. Misleading Advertisements

How incorrect or exaggerated claims harm consumers.

10. Remedies Available to Consumers

Legal solutions and complaint mechanisms under Indian consumer laws.

11. Online Sale and Trademark Deception

Risks posed by e-commerce platforms and digital advertisements.

12. Trademarks vs. Geographical Indications (GIs)

Key differences and consumer implications.

13. Junk Food, Adulteration & Health

How misleading branding affects nutrition and safety.

14. Spurious Drugs, Cosmetics & Beauty Products

Dangers associated with fake health and cosmetic products.

15. Consumer Justice

Ensuring consumer protection through awareness and legal action.

Conclusion: Empowering Consumers Through Trademark Education

The upcoming CNLU workshop aims to strengthen consumer literacy on trademarks, deceptive practices, and market fairness. As counterfeit and misleading products continue to rise, consumer awareness remains the strongest shield against deception.

This free, open-for-all event is an excellent opportunity for students, professionals, academicians, and consumers to understand their rights and learn how trademarks safeguard authenticity in the marketplace.