The Delhi High Court granted Zepto an ex-parte interim injunction on July 22, restraining Zepto Finance from using the 'Zepto' trademark or any deceptively similar mark. The court found a prima facie case of trademark infringement against Zepto Finance, operated by Naman Finlease Private Limited, which uses the domain zeptofinance.com and an Instagram account under the same name to offer lending services, according to inc42.com.
Justice Jyoti Singh issued the order after Zepto, a quick commerce startup, alleged that Zepto Finance was infringing on its registered 'Zepto' trademark. Zepto had expanded into financial offerings like Zepto Cash and Zepto Pay Later. The startup had sent cease-and-desist notices in March 2026, but the defendants denied wrongdoing and continued using the marks. The court also issued summons in the commercial suit, with the next hearing scheduled before the Joint Registrar on August 21 and the court on November 30, inc42.com reported.
This case highlights the increasing importance of trademark protection as startups diversify their services. Zepto’s move to protect its brand amid expansion into financial products underscores the legal challenges faced by companies when similar names are used in overlapping sectors. Trademark disputes like this are becoming more common as startups broaden their offerings beyond their original domains, reflecting a growing trend in India’s startup ecosystem.
The court’s interim injunction will remain in effect until the next hearing, with the commercial suit progressing through the legal process. The August 21 hearing before the Joint Registrar will be a key date for both parties, as the court examines the merits of the trademark infringement claim, inc42.com stated.