Introduction
In a rare and high-profile corporate dispute, Cognizant, one of the world’s leading IT services giants, has been barred by the Bombay High Court from using its logo in India. The case, brought forward by Bengaluru-based Atyati Technologies, highlights the growing importance of intellectual property (IP) enforcement in India’s technology sector. At its core, the controversy revolves around trademark similarity between Atyati’s honeycomb-style orange logo and Cognizant’s blue hexagonal device mark. This case not only underscores the vigilance of Indian courts in protecting prior trademarks but also serves as a lesson for global corporations expanding in the country.
Background of the Dispute
At the center of the dispute are two hexagon-inspired logos:
- Atyati Technologies: A Bengaluru-based fintech solutions provider, Atyati introduced its orange honeycomb-style logo in 2019. The design features interlinked hexagons that represent connected systems and scalability in financial technology.
- Cognizant: As part of a global rebranding initiative, Cognizant adopted a blue hexagonal device mark. The geometric design reflects modernity, technology, and digital transformation.
Atyati argued that the resemblance between its long-established logo and Cognizant’s newer design could mislead consumers, cause brand dilution, and create unfair advantage for the global IT giant. Cognizant, however, has maintained that its branding is distinct and developed independently.
Side-by-Side Logo Comparison
| Company | Logo |
| Atyati Technologies | 🟧 Orange hexagonal honeycomb design |
| Cognizant | 🔷 Blue hexagonal device mark |
In short, Atyati Technologies, a Bengaluru-based firm specializing in fintech solutions, has used its honeycomb-style hexagonal orange logo since 2019. Cognizant, on the other hand, introduced a hexagonal blue device mark as part of its rebranding campaign. Atyati alleged that the similarity in design created potential confusion and dilution of its brand identity, sparking the legal battle.
Legal Timeline
- March 2024: A single-judge bench of the Bombay High Court granted an injunction preventing Cognizant from using its logo in India.
- June 2024: The injunction was lifted temporarily, with the court considering Cognizant’s argument that Atyati suppressed material facts.
- August 2025: A division bench led by Chief Justice Alok Aradhe reinstated the injunction, barring Cognizant from using its logo until the trademark case is resolved.
Court’s Reasoning
The division bench emphasized the importance of protecting existing trademarks, especially when there is potential for consumer confusion. While Cognizant argued procedural lapses by Atyati, the court concluded that the similarity in design justified interim protection. The reinstatement of the injunction signaled that protecting IP rights takes precedence in ongoing disputes.
Impact on Cognizant
The reinstated injunction has major financial and operational implications for Cognizant. The company has already had to strip its logo from websites, social media platforms, and marketing material in India. This abrupt removal not only affects brand consistency but also triggers extensive re‑branding costs. Updating thousands of digital assets, internal systems, client‑facing portals, signage, and printed collateral can run into millions of dollars.
Beyond the direct expense of re‑branding, Cognizant faces the challenge of potential brand dilution. The absence of a recognizable logo in one of its largest markets weakens its visual identity, especially in comparison to competitors who continue to build recognition. There is also the opportunity cost of lost marketing momentum, confusion among clients and recruits, and reputational concerns that may affect future bids or partnerships.
In short, the injunction goes well beyond a symbolic setback – it forces Cognizant into a costly and complex re‑branding exercise while creating uncertainty about how its identity will be perceived in the Indian market.
Atyati’s Position
For Atyati Technologies, the lawsuit is about safeguarding its brand identity in a crowded IT and fintech space. The company has maintained that Cognizant’s mark is confusingly similar and undermines its distinctiveness, warranting judicial intervention. The interim win strengthens its standing in the IP ecosystem.
Industry & Legal Implications
This case has broader implications for the IT industry in India:
- Trademark enforcement: It demonstrates that even global corporations are not immune to local IP enforcement.
- Due diligence: Companies must carefully vet new branding campaigns to avoid conflicts in foreign markets.
- Judicial precedent: The case sets a rare example of a Fortune 250 company facing an interim ban on logo usage in India.
The dispute also reads like a modern-day David vs. Goliath story. Atyati, a relatively small fintech firm, successfully secured a legal order against Cognizant, a global IT giant with vast resources. This underscores how India’s legal system can empower smaller players to defend their rights, sending a strong message that brand protection is not the sole preserve of multinationals but a tool accessible to businesses of all sizes.
Possible Next Steps
Cognizant now has limited options:
- Appeal the decision to the Supreme Court of India.
- Redesign its logo specifically for the Indian market.
- Negotiate a settlement with Atyati.
Meanwhile, the Bombay High Court has directed expedited proceedings for the interim injunction plea, which may bring further clarity in the near term.
Conclusion
The Cognizant logo ban is more than just a legal tussle—it is a case study in the importance of intellectual property rights in India. For global companies, the message is clear: IP due diligence is not optional but essential when entering or expanding in competitive markets. For Atyati, the battle reflects the power of smaller firms to protect their brand identity against global giants. As the case unfolds, it will remain a benchmark in India’s evolving IP enforcement landscape.
This case highlights the critical importance of conducting thorough trademark searches and due diligence before investing in any brand. Even a small oversight can result in significant financial losses, as seen with global giants like Cognizant.
For expert trademark and branding advice, feel free to reach us at info@company360.in.
References / Sources
- Times of India: Bombay HC to Cognizant: You cannot use your logo in India until trademark case concludes
- Economic Times: Cognizant removes logo from social media amid trademark row
- Hindustan Times: HC restrains Cognizant from using its logo in India till case concludes
- LiveMint: Bombay High Court restores ban preventing Cognizant from using its logo
- Moneycontrol: Cognizant drops logo from digital platforms after trademark order
