AIPEU Seeks Action Over Commercial Use of “POSTMAN” Name and Postal Employee Image
The All India Postal Employees Union, Postmen and MTS, Central Head Quarters (AIPEU) has submitted a representation to the Department of Posts raising concerns over the commercial use of the name “POSTMAN” and imagery resembling an Indian postal employee on a commercially marketed rice bag.
According to the representation dated 16 September 2026, a 30 kg rice bag marketed under the brand “POSTMAN – LACHKARI VADA KOLAM SORTEX RICE” and manufactured by M/s Ladhani Foods, Gondia, Maharashtra, came to the Union’s notice. The packaging prominently displays the word “POSTMAN” along with an illustration of a uniformed postman wearing a postal-style cap and carrying a postal bag containing letters.
DownloadPOSTMAN” Name and Postal Employee Image
Concern Over Association with India Post
The representation points out that the Postman has historically been one of the most recognisable faces of the Department of Posts and is associated with public service, trust and last-mile postal delivery. The Union has therefore expressed concern that the combined use of the name, uniform-like appearance, cap, postal bag and letters could potentially create an impression of association, approval, sponsorship or endorsement by India Post or the Government of India.
The Union has also requested verification of the existing trademark ownership, registration, licensing or permitted-user status of the “POSTMAN” name in the food/rice sector and whether the manufacturer or marketer has lawful authority to use the name and accompanying representation.
Legal and Regulatory Examination Sought
AIPEU has requested that the Department examine the matter under relevant legal provisions, including the Trade Marks Act, 1999, the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950, provisions concerning passing off and protection of goodwill, and copyright protection relating to the artistic representation, wherever applicable.
The Union has sought an immediate and time-bound examination of the issue, including verification of the trademark status and the manufacturer's authority to use the “POSTMAN” name and image. It has further suggested that, if necessary, the matter may be taken up with the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks, FSSAI and the Department of Consumer Affairs for verification of relevant records.
Request for Appropriate Action
The representation states that if the use is found to be unauthorised or misleading and capable of creating an impression of association with India Post, appropriate legal and administrative action may be initiated to protect the dignity, identity and goodwill of the Department of Posts and its Postman cadre.
The attached photograph on page 3 shows the rice packaging carrying the prominent “POSTMAN” branding alongside an illustration of a uniformed postal figure, with the product identified as Lachkari Vada Kolam Sortex Rice and manufactured by M/s Ladhani Foods.
The representation has been signed by R.P. Sarang, General Secretary, AIPEU Postmen and MTS, Central Head Quarters, requesting the Department’s intervention and communication of the action taken.
The All India Postal Employees Union, Postmen and MTS, Central Head Quarters (AIPEU) has submitted a representation to the Department of Posts raising concerns over the commercial use of the name “POSTMAN” and imagery resembling an Indian postal employee on a commercially marketed rice bag.
According to the representation dated 16 September 2026, a 30 kg rice bag marketed under the brand “POSTMAN – LACHKARI VADA KOLAM SORTEX RICE” and manufactured by M/s Ladhani Foods, Gondia, Maharashtra, came to the Union’s notice. The packaging prominently displays the word “POSTMAN” along with an illustration of a uniformed postman wearing a postal-style cap and carrying a postal bag containing letters.
Concern Over Association with India Post
The representation points out that the Postman has historically been one of the most recognisable faces of the Department of Posts and is associated with public service, trust and last-mile postal delivery. The Union has therefore expressed concern that the combined use of the name, uniform-like appearance, cap, postal bag and letters could potentially create an impression of association, approval, sponsorship or endorsement by India Post or the Government of India.
The Union has also requested verification of the existing trademark ownership, registration, licensing or permitted-user status of the “POSTMAN” name in the food/rice sector and whether the manufacturer or marketer has lawful authority to use the name and accompanying representation.
Legal and Regulatory Examination Sought
AIPEU has requested that the Department examine the matter under relevant legal provisions, including the Trade Marks Act, 1999, the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950, provisions concerning passing off and protection of goodwill, and copyright protection relating to the artistic representation, wherever applicable.
The Union has sought an immediate and time-bound examination of the issue, including verification of the trademark status and the manufacturer's authority to use the “POSTMAN” name and image. It has further suggested that, if necessary, the matter may be taken up with the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks, FSSAI and the Department of Consumer Affairs for verification of relevant records.
Request for Appropriate Action
The representation states that if the use is found to be unauthorised or misleading and capable of creating an impression of association with India Post, appropriate legal and administrative action may be initiated to protect the dignity, identity and goodwill of the Department of Posts and its Postman cadre.
The attached photograph on page 3 shows the rice packaging carrying the prominent “POSTMAN” branding alongside an illustration of a uniformed postal figure, with the product identified as Lachkari Vada Kolam Sortex Rice and manufactured by M/s Ladhani Foods.
The representation has been signed by R.P. Sarang, General Secretary, AIPEU Postmen and MTS, Central Head Quarters, requesting the Department’s intervention and communication of the action taken.