Vineet Kapur applied on 28th September 2021 to register the mark “2929” for cosmetics, soaps, and related goods.
The Registrar refused on 29th February 2024, stating numerals lack distinctiveness.
Vineet Kapur appealed, and the Delhi High Court delivered its judgment on 25 April 2025, deciding whether “2929” could qualify as a trademark.
What the Court Said:
Inherent Distinctiveness: The Court held that “2929” is a unique combination of the numbers ‘2’ and ‘9’, which makes it arbitrary and capable of distinguishing goods. This inherent uniqueness meant the mark could function as a trademark without needing prior public recognition.
Legal Basis: Under Section 2(1)(m) of the Trade Marks Act, 1999, numerals clearly fall within the definition of a “Mark”. They are not inherently excluded from registration.
No Descriptive Character: Since “2929” has no descriptive connection with cosmetics or soaps, the Registrar’s refusal as “descriptive” was held invalid.
Judicial Precedent: Courts and the Registry have recognised other numeral marks such as “9292” and “1111”, showing that numbers can indeed serve as registrable trademarks.
The Verdict:
The Delhi High Court set aside the Registrar’s refusal and directed registration of “2929” for cosmetics and related products.
𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘁’𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁 (𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻)
- Choose marks (even numbers) that are arbitrary and unique, not descriptive of the product.
- Back your application with legal clarity—numerals are valid marks under the Act.
- Remember: precedent matters—other numeral marks have been registered.
- Pick combinations that stand out, not generic sequences.
Case Details:
Case Name: Vineet Kapur v. Registrar of Trademarks
Mark at Issue: 2929 (for cosmetics, soaps, etc.)
Court & Judge: Delhi High Court, Single Judge (CA/Comm IPD-TM 22/2024)
Application Date: 28 September 2021
Refusal Order: 29 February 2024
Judgment Date: 25 April 2025
Result: Appeal allowed—“2929” held inherently distinctive; registration granted.
Bottom Line:
Yes, a number can be your brand—if it’s not generic but unique enough to set you apart.
Judgment Source For Verification:
Vineet Kapur vs Registrar of Trademarks, Delhi High Court, CA/COMM IPD-TM 22/2024, decided 25 April 2025.
You can read the complete judgment here.
Disclaimer:
This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. Legal Terminus is not responsible for any changes in laws or regulations that occur after the publication date of this article. For specific legal advice, please consult with a qualified attorney.
Regards
CS Shipra Mishra
(B. Com, LL.B, FCS, Insolvency Professional, Registered TM Agent)
