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D.Gowthami Reddy, Partner, M/s.Pentallect Partners

IP UNFOLD MONTHLY IP INFO-FEBRUARY, 2025

  1. Casio Wins Landmark Unfair Competition Case in China   Casio secured a major victory in China as the Guangdong High Court ruled against two watchmakers for copying its GA-110 design. The court awarded Casio Rmb3 million (US$413,500) in damages, reinforcing trade dress protection even after design patents expire. This sets a key precedent for brand owners fighting copycats.     2. Cambodia Launches Online Patent & IP Filing System   Cambodia has introduced online filing for patents, utility models, and industrial designs, streamlining the process and enhancing accessibility. The system, backed by WIPO, improves efficiency while ensuring security through strict applicant verification.   3. Thailand to Adjust International IP Fees from 2025 Starting February 1, 2025, Thailand will revise fees for international applications, including search and processing fees. Late payments will face a 50% surcharge, while eligible applicants may receiv...
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D.Gowthami Reddy, Partner, M/s.Pentallect Partners

STORY - 1 AMBIKA APPALAM




STORY -1   AMBIKA APPALAM.

Ambika Appalam  was started by Mr. Ayyappan in  the year1920 in a 850 Sq. feet house in Triplicane in Chennai, India. His Poverty brought him to Chennai from Thrissur Kerala.   Here in Chennai he  started an handmade appalam business for his livelihood.    Gradually his handmade appalam, papads became popular. He got married and involved the whole family in the business.  The product had no brand name for 40 years. 

Mr. Velayudham Ayyappan son came up with the name “Ambica Appalam” for their products in the year 1976. The logo was drawn by a local artist with the tagline "azhagaai Porium”  which means "It fries beautifully". It is the same logo that is being used till today. Brand is a promise to the customer from the business owner; A product will looses its path  without a Trademark or a Brand.  By 1965  they added more products to their list. 

Currently, apart from appalam they are selling  snacks , podis, pickles etc.  Presently, the company is in the hands of the third generation. The brand became so popular that many actors would visit the shop.

R Venkatraman  the eighth President of India in  the Rastrapathi Bhavan Menu wrote "That south Indian food should be served with Ambika Appalam".


What is this man’s IP that contributed to his success?

The business idea of selling appalams; his family’s closely guarded secret recipes they were passed on for generations; the brand and logo which allowed the customers to identify his business and come back to him.

What started as a small business by the father was transformed into a large scale business by his son.  Now, this very business that was started in a small household has become three companies. K V Vyas the grandson of the founder, who is also a director of the company, is the one responsible for taking the products of Ambika Appalams far and wide not just in India but also to the other parts of the world.

If you have such an idea; please do pursue it. It has the ability to take you to heights of fame and wealth.

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