Team code – 06
Dr Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University
Manthan 10.0 - Case Study Competition
Resolution plan between
XYZ Limited
&
ABC Limited
Team code-06
INTRODUCTION:
The case revolves around a competition dispute between XYZ Private Limited, a
decentralized event ticketing platform, and ABC Limited, a traditional ticketing company.
The issues include allegations of unfair competition, potential intellectual property (IP)
infringement, data security concerns, and brand confusion due to the similarity in trade
names1. The dispute raises questions regarding IP rights, trade practices, and data protection
laws2. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive legal and strategic approach to
ensure compliance with relevant laws while fostering innovation and healthy competition in
the market.
ASSUMPTIONS:
1. Legal Compliance - Both XYZ and ABC adhere to Indian legal frameworks, including the
Information Technology Act 2000, Trademarks Act 1999 and digital services legislation.
2. Technological Innovation - Smart contracts are an emerging digital transaction mechanism.
Potential disruption to established ticket booking systems - Technological innovation
beyond traditional platforms.
3. Critical Legal Considerations
Intellectual property protection is vital.
Prioritize data privacy and security. - Balance technological innovation with legal
protections.
STAKEHOLDERS INVOLVED:
1. XYZ Private Limited – A decentralized platform using smart contracts for ticket booking,
ensuring fairness and security3.
2. ABC Limited – A traditional ticketing company, facing a decline in customers and
planning a transition to a decentralized model.
3. Consumers – Individuals using both platforms for booking tickets.
1
Trade Marks Act 1999 (India), s 29.
2
Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (15 April 1994) 1869 UNTS 299.
3
Indian Contract Act 1872, s 70.
Team code-06
4. Regulatory Authorities – Bodies overseeing IP rights, trade competition laws, and data
security regulations.
5. Event Organizers – Third-party organizers who rely on these platforms to sell tickets for
their events.
6. Developers and Tech Partners – Entities involved in creating and maintaining the
decentralized platform for ticketing services.
PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION:
1. ABC Limited's Concern's : Due to the release of XYZ Private Limited's decentralized
ticketing application, ABC Limited is facing significant challenges. Falling market share
affected profitability and has implications for sustainable business in the long term.
Further, data theft allegations against ABC have risen as they claim unauthorized access
with the misuse of consumer information; this could, therefore, constitute a breach of
privacy laws. The similarity in design and layout between the two platforms has created
brand confusion, possibly misleading customers. While ABC plans to shift to
decentralized technology to stay ahead, it is worried about infringement of XYZ's
patented technology4. Moreover, the lack of trademark or copyright protection weakens
ABC's claim to exclusivity over the "ZAZZ" brand. Ongoing disputes and accusations
about the improper business practice of the company raise concern about its repute and
make its market position more challenging to achieve. Lastly, regulatory uncertainty
regarding compliance with consumer data protection laws makes the process transition to
a decentralized model more confusing5.
2. XYZ Private Limited's Concerns : XYZ Private Limited is mainly concerned with
protecting its intellectual property rights, especially patents on decentralized ticketing
technology, from being misused by competitors. It also needs to ensure that it is not
violating trade and competition laws, which may be used as a counterclaim by ABC
Limited for dominating the market. The company is also dealing with allegations of
similarity in the design and layout of the platform, which may lead to future legal
disputes6. Regulatory scrutiny over data protection and smart contract usage remains a
critical concern, as maintaining consumer trust is essential for business sustainability.
4
Patents Act 1970, s 48.
5
Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023, s 37.
6
Trademarks Act, 1999, s 2(h).
Team code-06
While expanding its operations, XYZ must carefully navigate market competition and
mitigate the risk of lawsuits from ABC Limited. Moreover, strengthening cybersecurity
measures is imperative to prevent breaches and unauthorized access to customer data,
ensuring robust protection and regulatory compliance.
PROPOSED SOLUTIONS:
1. For ABC Limited: IP Strategy:
Conduct an IP analysis to ensure compliance while adopting decentralized technology.
Register trademarks for "ZAZZ" and implement a distinct branding strategy.
Strengthen cybersecurity measures to prevent data breaches and comply with privacy
laws.
Explore unique service offerings and technological innovations to differentiate from
XYZ.
Engage in legal proceedings if substantial evidence of data theft or unfair practices is
found.
2. For XYZ Private Limited: a. IP Protection and Legal Defense:
Enforce its patent rights while considering strategic licensing to maintain innovation
balance.
Differentiate platform design to mitigate trade dress disputes.
Strengthen data security and ensure compliance with privacy laws.
Expand business through partnerships while proactively addressing regulatory concerns
COMMON SOLUTIONS FOR BOTH STAKEHOLDERS:
1. Mediation and Settlement:
Engage in alternative dispute resolution (ADR) to negotiate a potential partnership or
technology-sharing agreement7.
Collaborate on security measures to address data protection concerns and maintain
industry integrity.
Work towards mutually beneficial agreements that allow both companies to coexist in the
market.
7
Mediation Act 2023, s 5(1).
Team code-06
2. Regulatory Compliance and Fair Competition:
Ensure adherence to the Competition Act, 2002 8, and the Information Technology Act,
20009, to prevent legal consequences.
Work with regulatory bodies to establish best practices for decentralized ticketing
platforms, ensuring fair trade practices.
Advocate for industry-wide regulations that facilitate healthy competition while
promoting innovation in ticketing services.
CONCLUSION WITH LIMITATIONS:
1. For ABC Limited: While transitioning to decentralized technology is beneficial, it must
carefully navigate IP constraints to avoid litigation risks. Failure to establish distinct
technological innovations could lead to legal and operational challenges.
2. For XYZ Private Limited: Though enforcing its patents is crucial, over-aggressive legal
actions could invite antitrust scrutiny and damage its brand reputation. It must balance
protection with fair competition.
3. For Both: A collaborative approach may yield the most sustainable business model, but
competitive interests may limit full cooperation. Long-term success will depend on
innovation, legal compliance, and effective market positioning.
A well-negotiated resolution can ensure continued innovation while preserving fair market
competition, ultimately benefiting all stakeholders, including consumers and event
organizers.
8
Competition Act, 2002.
9
Information Technology Act, 2000.
