Delhi High Court Orders Blocking of Fraudulent ‘Burger King’ Franchise Websites and Freezing of Linked Bank Accounts
|The Court directed suspension of domain names, blocking of fake websites, and freezing of bank accounts used to mislead customers and collect payments under the guise of Burger King franchise offers.
The Delhi High Court has restrained the operators of multiple fraudulent websites from misusing the ‘Burger King’ trademark to lure unsuspecting individuals into paying for fake franchise and dealership opportunities.
Justice Prathiba M. Singh passed interim directions while hearing a plea filed by Burger King Corporation seeking action against infringing domain names and associated bank accounts.
Advocate Raunaq Kamath appeared for the plaintiff, while Advocates Rishabh Dev Mishra, Amit Mahaliyan, and Sreeja Sengupta appeared for the defendants.
Background
Burger King Corporation, the global fast-food chain, alleged that several unknown defendants were operating deceptive domain names and email addresses using its registered trademark and distinctive logos to collect money from individuals under the guise of granting Burger King franchise licenses in India.
The company informed the Court that these fraudulent operators had created fake websites where prospective franchisees were invited to apply for Burger King outlets, and letters of intent were issued promising dealership approvals. Victims were instructed to transfer significant sums of money into specified bank accounts, which were later linked to the defendants.
The plaintiff produced complaints from individuals in Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh who had paid amounts based on these fake offers, along with copies of misleading invoices and emails issued by the accused parties.
Court’s Observations
After reviewing the documents, website screenshots, and payment records, the Court found that the defendants had intentionally impersonated Burger King’s branding and marks to gain the trust of victims.
The Bench noted multiple discrepancies on the fake websites, including the incorrect spelling “Burger King Inida” and inconsistent contact details, which further established their fraudulent nature. It also took note that certain previously blocked domain names had been re-registered through different registrars despite earlier Court orders, highlighting a continuing pattern of infringement.
The Court held that such conduct amounted to “a calculated misrepresentation creating a false impression of legitimacy to defraud gullible customers” and concluded that urgent intervention was necessary to prevent further harm.
The Bench directed the registrars of the infringing domain names to immediately suspend the fraudulent websites impersonating Burger King. It further directed the Ministry of Communications and the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) to instruct all internet service providers to block access to these websites and submit compliance affidavits within two weeks.
The Court also ordered the immediate freezing of bank accounts linked to the fraudulent activities and directed that the email IDs associated with the scam be suspended. Additionally, the ministries, domain registrars, banks, and other service providers were instructed to file affidavits confirming compliance before the next date of hearing.
Conclusion
Listing the matter for further hearing on 10 October 2025, the Court directed all defendants, banks, domain registrars, and the concerned ministries to comply with its directions and submit their compliance reports within the stipulated timelines.
Cause Title: Burger King Corporation v. Swapnil Patil & Ors.
Appearances
Plaintiff: Advocate Raunaq Kamath, Advocate Asavari Jain, Advocate Himani, Advocate Aakriti Jain
Defendants: Advocate Rishabh Dev Mishra, Advocate Amit Mahaliyan, Advocate Sreeja Sengupta