The Bombay High Court has appointed former Supreme Court judge Justice R.V. Raveendran to mediate the ₹5,000 crore trademark dispute between real estate giants and brothers, Abhishek Lodha and Abhinandan Lodha. The decision came after both parties consented to mediation during a hearing before Justice Arif Doctor, who is presiding over the suit filed by Abhishek’s company, ‘Macrotech Developers’against Abhinandan’s firm, ‘House of Abhinandan Lodha’.

"Let the initial mediation commence between the two brothers...Let the mediator have a first sitting with these two brothers and then, if he deems it fit, he can issue directions for the inclusion of all parties to the suit," Justice Doctor stated.

The instant dispute arises from Abhinandan Lodha’s alleged violation of a 2017 "Family Settlement" agreement, which was made after the brothers parted ways in 2015. Under the agreement, Abhishek retained control over MacrotechDevelopers and exclusive rights to the "Lodha" trademark in real estate, while Abhinandan was to focus on non-real estate ventures and avoid using the name, particularly in the Mumbai Metropolitan Area and Greater London.

However, Abhishek claims that Abhinandan has breached the non-compete clause by engaging in real estate and using the Lodha name, misleading consumers. Seeking an injunction and ₹5,000 crore in damages, he moved court, leading to last week's suggestion for mediation, which both parties agreed to on Friday.