The Supreme Court has directed six educational institutions in Telangana using the name “Princeton” to prominently disclose that they have no connection whatsoever with Princeton University in the United States, while disposing of appeals arising from an ongoing trademark dispute.
The Bench of Justice PV Sanjay Kumar and Justice K Vinod Chandran passed the directions in appeals filed by Princeton University against educational institutions run by Vagdevi Educational Society and others.
The Apex Court observed that Princeton University, an internationally recognised Ivy League institution, possesses substantial reputation, goodwill and brand value warranting protection under trademark law. The Court noted that the use of the Princeton name by unrelated educational institutions could potentially mislead students and members of the public into believing that an association, affiliation or endorsement existed between the institutions.
The dispute stemmed from a civil suit filed by Princeton University before the Delhi High Court against six Telangana-based institutions using the Princeton name. The trademark infringement and passing-off action remains pending before the High Court.
A single-judge Bench of the High Court had earlier declined to grant interim relief to the university. However, a Division Bench partly reversed that decision in September 2025 after holding that Princeton University had established a prima facie case in support of its trademark claims.
At the same time, the Division Bench found that the balance of convenience did not justify a complete injunction because the Telangana institutions had been operating under the Princeton name since 1991 and were functioning only within the State of Telangana. Accordingly, the High Court restrained the institutions from using the Princeton name for any new educational establishments during the pendency of the suit, while permitting continued use of the name by the existing institutions, subject to certain conditions.
Aggrieved by the limited nature of the interim protection granted, Princeton University approached the Supreme Court. The Telangana institutions also challenged the interim directions issued by the High Court.
After considering the rival submissions, the Apex Court concluded that additional safeguards were necessary to protect both the proprietary interests of Princeton University and the interests of prospective students who might otherwise be confused regarding the identity of the institutions.
The Bench accordingly directed all six institutions to prominently publish a disclaimer on their official websites, prospectuses, admission brochures and other promotional material clearly stating that they have no connection whatsoever with Princeton University in the United States. The Bench specifically directed that the disclaimer displayed on the institutions’ websites must appear in the largest font size used on the respective websites so that it remains clearly visible to visitors.
It further ordered the institutions to publish quarter-page public notices in Deccan Chronicle and Eenadu on alternate days between June 1 and 12. These notices must expressly state that the institutions have no association with Princeton University in the United States. The institutions were further directed to install display boards carrying the same disclaimer outside their campuses. The disclaimer must also be printed in clear and bold letters on certificates and other academic documents issued to students.
The Bench ordered that all these directions be implemented before the commencement of the admission process for the next academic session.
While disposing of the appeals, the Supreme Court clarified that it had not expressed any final opinion on the merits of the dispute. It stated that all issues arising in the underlying trademark infringement and passing-off suit remained open for adjudication by the Delhi High Court. It also reiterated the High Court’s observation that the parties should endeavour to secure an expeditious disposal of the proceedings.
The order effectively preserved the status quo by permitting the existing institutions to continue using the Princeton name, while imposing extensive disclosure obligations to prevent public confusion and safeguard Princeton University’s trademark goodwill pending final adjudication of the suit.
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