He introduced the luxury products of Mont Blanc in India almost two decades ago, but now the relationship between Indian cricketer-turned-businessman Dilip Doshi and the Swiss luxury pen major has turned so bad that Doshi filed a civil suit against the latter in a court in Rajkot alleging fraud.
The civil suit he filed alleges that the Swiss company resorted to “fraud to weaken business and misused confidential information” secured from Doshi’s firm. The suit has been filed by Dilip Doshi and his company Entrack International Trading, against Mont Blanc and Mont Blanc’s parent company Richemont.
Doshi introduced Mont Blanc luxury pens in India in the 1990s, and there are around 17 boutique stores across India, particularly in five-star hotels. But in March this year, Mont Blanc reportedly snapped those ties and signed a joint venture with Titan Industries, a Tata Group company, to expand business through exclusive stores.
Dilip Doshi was not available for comment. An executive at Entrack International in Rajkot said the company would not comment as the matter is sub-judice. Queries mailed to Mont Blanc also remained unanswered.
The special civil suit was registered in the local court in Rajkot on September 26. On November 19, the additional senior civil judge quashed Mont Blanc’s argument that the case be referred to Swiss arbitration, and also ordered it to not seek arbitration.
{{/usCountry}}The special civil suit was registered in the local court in Rajkot on September 26. On November 19, the additional senior civil judge quashed Mont Blanc’s argument that the case be referred to Swiss arbitration, and also ordered it to not seek arbitration.
{{/usCountry}}The judge also rejected Mont Blanc’s contention that the court doesn’t have the jurisdiction over the matter.
The next hearing is scheduled for December 2.