Kathmandu: The Supreme Court has ordered Yashoda Foods not to imitate the trademark of Wai Wai noodles. The joint bench of Justices Kumar Regmi and Abdul Aziz Muslim issued the order on August 16.

CG Foods Nepal Limited had filed a case against Yashoda Foods after the latter’s product, Current Noodles, was found to be imitating the trademark of Wai Wai. The Patan High Court had previously ordered Yashoda Foods to stop using a trademark similar to Wai Wai’s. However, Yashoda Foods had challenged the decision in the Supreme Court, claiming the right to use a similar trademark. The Supreme Court upheld the Patan High Court’s order, barring Current Noodles from using a trademark that resembles Wai Wai’s.

Yashoda Foods’ Current Noodles had been using packaging similar to the globally renowned and popular Wai Wai noodles, misleading consumers. For over four decades, Wai Wai has established a reputation both in Nepal and internationally, which Yashoda Foods attempted to exploit by copying its trademark.

Yashoda Foods had also tried to register this imitation as its own trademark, but the High Court ordered the Department of Industry to halt the registration process of application number 098222 filed by Yashoda Foods.

Following this order, Yashoda Foods is required to recall the Current Noodles already in the market. If these noodles continue to be sold, it will be considered contempt of court, as the order explicitly prohibits such actions.

Produced by Chaudhary Group, Wai Wai has maintained its position as the top choice for Nepalese consumers both at home and abroad for over four decades, thanks to its adherence to international quality standards. By imitating Wai Wai’s trademark, Current Noodles not only attempted to exploit the brand’s popularity but also directly infringed on consumer rights.

This court order sends a strong message against the theft of intellectual property and the attempt to unjustly profit from it. Companies like Current, which try to leverage the reputation of established brands for their own gain, often face harsh criticism and serious questions about the quality of their products in the international market. These companies are typically seen as opportunistic, looking to make quick money with low-quality products before disappearing from the market.