BharatPe and PhonePe Settle Longstanding Trademark Dispute Over "Pe" Suffix

In a significant development for the Indian fintech industry, BharatPe and PhonePe have announced the amicable settlement of their long-standing legal dispute regarding using the trademark suffix "Pe."

Years of Legal Battles Resolved

A joint statement released on Sunday confirmed the news: "BharatPe and PhonePe amicably settled all long-standing trademark disputes pertaining to the use of the trademark with the suffix 'Pe'." For the past five years, these two leading fintech companies had been locked in legal battles across various courts in India.

Clearing the Path Forward

The settlement paves the way for a future free of legal roadblocks. "The settlement will put an end to all open judicial proceedings," the statement declared. Additionally, both companies have taken proactive steps to remove any objections from the trademark registry, facilitating the individual registration of their respective trademarks. This signifies a clear commitment to moving forward.

Fulfilling Settlement Obligations

The statement further emphasizes the commitment to fulfilling the terms of the settlement agreement. "The parties will undertake to take any additional actions required to comply with their obligations under the settlement agreement with respect to all cases before the Delhi and Bombay High Courts," it reads.

Industry Positive Development

Rajnish Kumar, Chairman of the Board at BharatPe, welcomed the resolution. "This is a positive development for the industry," he said. "I appreciate the maturity and professionalism displayed by the Management on both sides, who have worked closely to resolve all outstanding legal issues and move ahead to focus their energy and resources on building robust digital payment ecosystems."

This amicable settlement marks a significant turning point for both companies. It allows them to focus their resources on innovation and growth within the Indian fintech landscape.