Old monk vs old mist: India’s oldest and distinguished Rum The controversy over the name and identity between the brand ‘Old Monk’ and the recently launched coffee-flad rum ‘Old Mist’ has now reached the court’s frame. Himachal Pradesh High Court In this legal battle, the verdict in favor of ‘Old Monk’ has imposed an interim restriction on the sale and distribution of ‘Old Mist’. The order was pronounced by Justice Ajay Mohan Goyal on 9 July, when a commercial case was filed by Mohan Meekin Limited. Mohan Meekin is the same company that is the creator of Old Monk and Old Monk Coffee Rum.

The case began when the legal advisors of ‘Old Monk’ saw a new rum called ‘Old Mist’ in the markets of Goa in June 2025, whose bottle, label and name used to match ‘Old Monk Coffee Rum’ to a great extent. The company told the court that the trademark of Old Monk Coffee Rum is registered since 9 June 2022 and it is valid till 22 November 2031. He also said that the competition company ‘Old Mist’ neither got any trademark registration nor has any rights that he can introduce his product in the market with such a similar identity.

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Bottles and label presented in court
Both brand bottles and labels were presented in the court. After comparing them, the court admitted that at first sight it seems to be a case of trademark violation. The court said that the texture of both the products, the brand name and the way to be presented in the market is so equal that the common consumer can be confused. Also, if such sales are allowed, it can damage the year -old brand value of ‘Old Monk’ and ‘Old Mist’ can get unfair market benefits.

Large court order: completely ban on sales

The court admitted that the case presented by ‘Old Monk’ is strong and the balance in the present situation also bends in its favor. The court clearly stated that this situation is not only inappropriate in a commercial point of view, but also dangerous for the interests of consumers. Therefore, the court refused to sell or distribute ‘Old Mist’ in any form, directly through distributors or agents. This order will remain in force until the case is pending in the court.