Lodha brothers end brand battle through court-supervised mediation
Real estate magnates and brothers Abhishek Lodha and Abhinandan Lodha have reached an amicable settlement over their long-standing dispute regarding the use of the ‘Lodha’ brand, after months of legal and personal wrangling. This agreement follows a three-month mediation process led by retired Justice R V Raveendran, appointed by the Bombay High Court.
- Both parties issued statements confirming that Macrotech Developers, led by Abhishek Lodha, is the exclusive owner of the brands “Lodha” and “Lodha Group.”
- Meanwhile, House of Abhinandan Lodha (HoABL), founded by Abhinandan, retains ownership of the brand “House of Abhinandan Lodha.”
Agreement reinforces clear business separation
As part of the settlement, the two brothers have agreed not to interfere in each other’s businesses or use each other’s brand identity, thereby reinforcing independence.
- Both entities will now publicly clarify that their operations are entirely separate.
- This includes communication strategies to ensure consumers, brokers, and industry stakeholders understand that Macrotech and HoABL are not affiliated.
A long-standing family feud comes to an end
The legal conflict stems from a brand infringement suit filed by Macrotech Developers in January 2025, accusing HoABL of unauthorized use of the Lodha name in its plotted development projects in locations such as Goa and Ayodhya.
- Macrotech had also demanded Rs 5,000 crore in damages, alleging reputational and commercial harm.
- In response, HoABL stated that the references were used by third parties, particularly brokers, and denied any intentional use of the “Lodha” brand.
Dispute rooted in business and financial differences
The rift between the brothers began after Abhinandan Lodha exited the Lodha Group (now Macrotech) in 2015, following differences over finances and business direction.
- In 2017, the brothers signed a family settlement giving Abhishek control of the Lodha Group, while Abhinandan left with cash and real estate to start his own ventures, including HoABL.
- However, tensions resurfaced in December 2024, when HoABL acquired a Churchgate plot, which Abhishek’s side claimed violated the terms of the family agreement that barred Abhinandan from vertical development projects.
Mediation followed multiple legal challenges
Following the dispute over the Churchgate property, Justice Arif S Doctor of the Bombay HC recommended mediation, recognizing the matter as a family dispute rather than a purely corporate one.
- Despite initial setbacks, including Macrotech’s claims that HoABL forged board resolutions to secure a no-objection certificate, the two sides eventually agreed to withdraw ongoing legal proceedings.
- In turn, HoABL filed a police complaint seeking an investigation into the documents submitted by Macrotech to the stock exchanges, denying all allegations of forgery.
Top legal minds led the resolution
The case featured some of India’s most prominent lawyers representing both sides.
- Abhishek Lodha was represented by Janak Dwarkadas, Darius J Khambata, and Sharad Jagtiani, instructed by Veritas Legal.
- Abhinandan Lodha’s legal team included Kapil Sibal, Mukul Rohatgi, Ravi Kadam, Veerendra Tulzapurkar, Aspi Chinoy, Karl Tamboly, and Siddharth Luthra, guided by Rashmikant and Partners and Karanjwala and Company.
With the legal dust settling, the Lodha brothers now move forward with distinct business identities, leaving behind nearly a decade of legal and personal conflict.
