Global IT giant Cognizant faced a major legal hurdle in India over the use of its iconic hexagonal logo. The controversy began when Bengaluru-based fintech company Atyati Technologies claimed that Cognizant’s logo resembled its own registered trademark, featuring a similar honeycomb design. This triggered a series of court proceedings that unfolded over more than a year.
The Step-by-Step Legal Timeline
March 2024 – Initial Injunction
Atyati Technologies filed a trademark infringement lawsuit, and the Bombay High Court initially issued an ex-parte ad-interim injunction on March 19, 2024. Cognizant was temporarily barred from using its logo in India.
June 2024 – Temporary Relief
In June, a single judge of the Bombay High Court allowed Cognizant to resume using the logo during the case. The court noted that Atyati had known about Cognizant’s logo since 2022 but raised the issue only in October 2023.
August 2025 – Reinstatement of Injunction
On August 26, 2025, the division bench of the Bombay High Court, led by Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep V. Marne, reinstated the injunction. Cognizant was again barred from using the disputed logo. The bench emphasized the importance of protecting Atyati’s trademark rights and urged the lower court to expedite the matter.
September 2025 – Supreme Court Intervention
The Supreme Court of India, on September 8, 2025, set aside the Bombay High Court’s August order, allowing Cognizant to resume using its hexagonal logo. The Supreme Court directed the single judge bench of the Bombay High Court to finalize the case within six months.
Cognizant’s Response
During the ban periods, Cognizant removed its logo from Indian digital platforms, including its website and social media accounts like LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, and X. On social media, the company replaced its logo with the word “Innovate” to celebrate the anniversary of its Bluebolt innovation initiative.
What This Means
This legal dispute highlights the importance of trademark protection and the challenges companies face while maintaining brand identity in different countries. While Cognizant can now use its logo again, the case is a reminder that even global brands must be careful with intellectual property rights.
The final verdict will determine whether Cognizant can continue its logo usage permanently or if modifications will be required in India.
✅ In short: Cognizant’s logo battle shows how legal and corporate worlds intersect. For now, the hexagonal symbol is back in action, but the case will continue to shape India’s IP landscape.
