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IP UNFOLD -    Weekly IP Info    1) Should Gukesh Dommaraju register his name as a trademark? World Chess Champion Gukesh Dommaraju should consider trademarking his name and likeness, says legal expert Raghav Malik. With rising fame after his 2024 World Championship win, he risks unauthorized use by brands, similar to what Indian athlete PV Sindhu faced. Registering trademarks or securing image rights could protect his brand value and prevent misuse.   2)   KIPO warns Indonesian “Korean Ramyeon” commercial with NewJeans might deceive customers KIPO raises concerns over Indomie’s "Korean Ramyeon" product, fearing it may mislead consumers into thinking it's Korean-made. The product, endorsed by K-pop group NewJeans, has gained viral attention, prompting discussions about potential intellectual property issues. 3) Uzbekistan joins the Hague System Uzbekistan joins the Hague System, expanding WIPO’s global design coverage to 98 countries. Effective January ...

ALADIPATTIYAN KARUPATTI COFFEE SUCCESS STORY

 



ALADIPATTIYAN KARUPATTI COFFEE STORY

The Power of Friendship, Innovation, and Protecting Your Intellectual Property

In the bustling city of Chennai, a group of friends from a small village in Thirunelveli embarked on an exciting journey that transformed their lives. It all began when these friends moved to Chennai for their studies. Every time they returned home to their native village, they brought back a local favorite—Thirunelveli Halwa, a traditional sweet delicacy that became an instant hit among their college friends. It’s delicious taste quickly gained popularity, and the students kept asking them to bring more during each break.

Soon, the friends realized the potential of Thirunelveli Halwa as a business. They decided to start small by selling it online under the name HalwaKadai.com. The response was overwhelming, and they quickly became known for their top-notch product. But as their business grew, they faced challenges with delivery delays and logistics. That’s when they took their next big step—opening offline stores.

 

The Birth of Aladipattiyan Karupatti Coffee Shop

They named their first shop Aladipattiyan Karupatti Coffee Shop, where they sold their famous Halwa, along with Karupatti Coffee and millet-based snacks. The shop was a hit, offering not just a unique taste but also a cozy experience for the customers. As the demand for their products grew, they expanded their menu, adding a variety of traditional snacks and beverages. Their success story was inspiring, with the business gaining momentum day by day.

However, as they scaled their operations, they noticed something peculiar. Their Nellai Karupatti Coffee Shop and Aladipattiyan Karupatti Coffee Shop were strikingly similar in both design and recipe. This raised an important question: Did they make a mistake when it came to intellectual property (IP)? Both shops had registered trademarks, but could their brand identities and concepts be seen as too alike?

This brings us to an important lesson for any budding entrepreneur—the significance of protecting your intellectual property. When you create something unique, whether it’s a recipe, a logo, or a brand identity, it’s essential to safeguard it. In this case, the friends took the right step by registering their trademarks, but they also needed to ensure that their business concepts, shop designs, and recipes were distinct enough to avoid potential legal issues.

 

Key Takeaways:

Friendship Can Be a Launchpad for Success

The story of these friends proves that great things can start from simple ideas shared with close friends. Many of the world’s most successful companies, like Microsoft, began as ideas between friends. When you start a business with people you trust, you have a solid foundation of support, creativity, and shared ambition.

 

Protect Your Intellectual Property

As entrepreneurs, your intellectual property is one of your most valuable assets. Whether it’s your unique products, designs, or logos, make sure to protect them in the right way. Register your trademarks, patents, and copyrights to safeguard your creations and ideas.

 

Learn from Mistakes

The friends in this story had challenges along the way—delivery issues and potential IP concerns—but they took it in stride. Mistakes are part of the journey. The key is to learn from them, adapt, and continue innovating.

 

Dream Big and Grow Together

Starting a business isn’t just about making money; it’s about growing together and creating something meaningful. Surround yourself with the right people—friends, mentors, and partners—and you’ll have a much higher chance of success.

 

Conclusion:

The journey of these Thirunelveli boys highlights the power of friendship, the importance of protecting your intellectual property, and the potential to turn an idea into a successful business. Their story is a testament to the fact that great things can come from humble beginnings, and with the right mindset, you can build something that not only benefits you but also makes a positive impact on others.

Remember, your intellectual property is worth protecting, and with the right steps, you can ensure that your ideas remain your own, leading to long-term success. As these friends have shown us, the right blend of innovation, passion, and friendship can truly change the course of your life.

 

What do you think about the friends’ journey and their approach to business? Do you think they made any mistakes with intellectual property? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, and let’s discuss how we can all safeguard our ideas as we grow and innovate.