“Since the family settlement was executed in 2015-17, it has been observed that our trademark "Lodha" and "Lodha Group" continue to be used by House of Abhinandan Lodha (HoABL) in their marketing materials,” said Macrotech Developers Ltd. communication to the media.
“Significant market confusion is being created by this unauthorized usage, whereby numerous buyers are being led to believe that a connection with our organization is being maintained. Although multiple attempts at amicable resolution have been made, these practices have continued to be perpetuated.”
1980- The company was founded in early 1980s, offering residential and commercial properties under the brand name 'Lodha'
1995- Company got incorporated with ROC
26-May-10- The Plaintiffs applied for and obtained various trademark registrations for such names/ marks, and also registered a domain name for its 'LODHA' brand.
2008-2015- Between 2008 and 2014, there was significant increase in debt which caused lot of stress in the family. Also, Income tax department conducted raid of company in 2011, which led to damage of the company’s reputation. In 2014-15, governance issues were identified in the finance department which was led by Abhinandan Lodha
2015 - 2017- Initially, it was agreed that each family member would take some assets and some debt. However, at later stage, Abhinandan insisted that he does not want to handle so many customers, debt and construction and hence, wants only money. As a result, Abhishek and his parents were left with Rs 20,000 crores of debt and Abhinandan separated to start new business with payout of ~Rs. 1000 crores. Between 2015 and 2020, Mr Abhishek Lodha and the family went through a 'near death experience' due to this baggage of huge debt.
Apr-21- Macrotech Developers Ltd was listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) under the able guidance of Abhishek Lodha and the leadership team at MDL. Since listing the stock price has gone from strength to strength with the current market capitalization exceeding over Rs 1 Lac Crore. The current share price (in Jan 2025) is appx Rs 1200 with it being part of Nifty Next 50 Index as well as part of Futures & Options on NSE
2021-23- After its IPO, when Lodha Group’s perception had started becoming strong, Abhinandan Lodha launched real estate business (plots). He initially tried to use Lodha’s logo in his campaign but was stopped by Abhishek. Thereafter, he started calling his business ‘House of Abhinandan Lodha’ (HoABL). The Trade Mark Registry itself raised an objection that the 'LODHA' Trade Marks are same/similar/identical trademarks. By using Lodha name, significant efforts were made to mislead the buyers into believing that HoABL is part of Lodha and the goodwill and brand perception of Lodha was used to scale up Abhinandan’s business. While family members tried on many occasions to make Abhinandan understand that he should do his own business in separate name and not try to pass off as ‘Lodha’, he has deliberately used this as a business strategy and continues to make all efforts to confuse customers that HoABL is part of / related to Lodha.
2023-25- Abhishek Lodha has tried multiple times in his personal capacity to get Abhinandan Lodha to correct the brand narrative that is being used by his companies not limited to HoABL. However, the companies continue to infringe on the rights of Macrotech Developers in the usage of their brands "Lodha" and "Lodha Group". Not only does HoABL continue to use the brand name "Lodha" and "Lodha Group" for marketing their new launches, but the same is also being used by their Channel Partners
2023-25 - The indiscriminate usage of brand name "Lodha" and "Lodha Group" has resulted in a lot of confusion for existing buyers of HoABL who wrongly think that they have associated with the prestigious "Lodha Group" not knowing that HoABL has got nothing to do with Macrotech Developers and its brands "Lodha" or "Lodha Group"
Nov-24 - Abhishek Lodha and his family, promoters of one of India’s largest real estate companies, Lodha Group, listed as Macrotech Developers, have pledged over $2.5 billion or over Rs 20,000 crore towards philanthropic causes.
