**Cognizant Challenges Logo Ban in Supreme Court**
Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp has approached the Supreme Court to contest a Bombay High Court ruling that prohibits the company from using its hexagonal logo in India. This case marks a notable trademark dispute involving a significant player in the information technology services sector, with a hearing scheduled for Monday, as per court filings.
Cognizant, which employs a substantial portion of its global workforce in India, has been embroiled in a legal battle over its hexagonal logo since 2023. The conflict arose when Bengaluru-based fintech firm Atyati Technologies Pvt. Ltd filed a lawsuit claiming ownership of a similar logo—a distinctive orange hexagonal honeycomb design that Atyati has used since 2019 to represent collaboration and impact.
Cognizant contends that Atyati was aware of its logo’s existence since 2022 but only claimed knowledge in October 2023, alleging that Atyati withheld this information when initially seeking an injunction. In March 2024, a single-judge bench of the Bombay High Court ruled in favor of Atyati, stating that the similarities between the logos could mislead consumers and that Atyati had a strong case.
However, in June 2024, another judge lifted the ban, citing evidence that Cognizant had been using its logo since 2022. Despite this, a division bench of the Bombay High Court reinstated the injunction on August 26, rejecting Cognizant’s claims of suppression and emphasizing that any potential non-disclosure by Atyati would not negate its right to a temporary injunction.
Following the court’s decision, Cognizant ceased using the disputed logo on its digital platforms. The company has established a comprehensive seven-page guideline for logo usage, which is uncommon among Indian IT firms. This is not the first instance of Cognizant experimenting with its branding; in May 2024, it temporarily incorporated the prefix “innovate” in job postings and social media to celebrate its Bluebolt innovation program’s anniversary.
Cognizant has a history of legal challenges, having faced multiple cases related to employee poaching and alleged intellectual property theft in recent years. In September 2023, the company appointed Jatin Dalal as its chief financial officer, following his tenure at Wipro Ltd.
**FAQ**
**What is the current status of Cognizant’s logo dispute?**
Cognizant is currently appealing a Bombay High Court ruling that prohibits the use of its hexagonal logo in India, with a Supreme Court hearing scheduled soon.
