India Pharma Outlook Team | Tuesday, 02 June 2026
The Delhi High Court has allowed Ahmedabad-based Intas Pharmaceuticals to continue manufacturing and selling its anti-cancer drug Bevatas, overturning an earlier ruling that had favoured Sun Pharma Laboratories in a trademark dispute over the similarity of oncology drug names.
The verdict marks a major legal victory for Intas and could have significant implications for trademark battles in India’s pharmaceutical industry.
In its latest order, a division bench of the Delhi High Court set aside the earlier decision that had restrained Intas from marketing the drug under the “Bevatas” brand name due to alleged similarity with Sun Pharma’s cancer drug Bevetex.
The court observed that the competing medicines differed in composition and therapeutic application, reducing the possibility of confusion among healthcare professionals and patients.
The dispute centered around the similarity between Intas’ cancer drug Bevatas and Sun Pharma’s product Bevetex. Sun Pharma had argued that the names sounded and looked alike, creating a risk of confusion in a highly sensitive treatment area such as cancer care. Earlier, a single-judge bench of the Delhi High Court had sided with Sun Pharma and restrained Intas Pharmaceuticals from using the “Bevatas” name.
However, a division bench later reviewed the case and ruled in favour of Intas Pharmaceuticals. The court observed that the two medicines differ in composition and medical use, reducing the possibility of confusion among doctors and healthcare professionals who prescribe and administer these drugs. Since oncology medicines are typically given under expert supervision, the bench found limited grounds to continue the restriction.
Sun Pharma maintained that even minor confusion in the naming of cancer drugs could have serious consequences for patients. The company argued that “Bevetex” was a registered trademark and deserved legal protection against names that appeared too similar in the market.
Intas Pharmaceuticals, on the other hand, defended its branding by explaining that the name “Bevatas” was derived from the drug ingredient Bevacizumab along with a reference to the company’s identity. It also stressed that the medicine is prescribed in specialised clinical settings, making accidental substitution unlikely.
Legal experts believe the judgment could shape how courts deal with pharma trademark dispute cases, especially when medicines serve different purposes or are used in specialist care. The case highlights the challenge of balancing trademark dispute rights with market competition and patient access to medicines.
India’s pharmaceutical industry frequently witnesses disputes over similar drug names, particularly in crowded treatment categories like oncology. Courts often have to consider not just intellectual property rights but also whether a naming conflict could realistically affect patient safety.
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For Intas, the ruling clears uncertainty around the future sale of Bevatas cancer drug and strengthens its position in the cancer treatment market. For Sun Pharma, the decision marks a legal setback in its attempt to secure exclusive distinction for its brand. Industry observers say the matter could still move to a higher court if further legal action is pursued.
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