UPL warns of legal action against patent-infringing lookalikes
UPL has announced strict legal actions against manufacturers and sellers of counterfeit products that imitate the branding and packaging of their patented herbicides.
UPL, a leading crop protection company, has announced that it will initiate strict legal and financial actions against any entities found violating its intellectual property rights. This decision follows the identification of products in the market that closely resemble the branding and packaging of its patented herbicides Triskele (marketed by UPL SAS) and Trishuk (marketed by SWAL). These counterfeit products are being sold at significantly lower prices, creating confusion among farmers regarding their authenticity.
During May and June 2026, the company, supported by enforcement authorities, conducted raids in Muzaffarnagar and Sikandarabad (Uttar Pradesh), Karnal (Haryana), and Dera Bassi (Punjab). These enforcement-led raids resulted in the seizure of materials at manufacturing units and the collection of vital evidence concerning distribution networks. The company stated that it will pursue the matter through all appropriate legal channels to ensure that those involved are held accountable.
Manufacturers of these lookalike products have deliberately adopted brand names and packaging that mimic the original products to mislead consumers. UPL cautions that such products, beyond infringing on intellectual property, could adversely affect long-term crop performance due to their unknown or non-standard chemical formulations. The company emphasized that legal liability extends throughout the value chain, covering not just manufacturers, but also distributors, dealers, and retailers involved in the sale of such items.
UPL has urged farmers and channel partners to remain highly vigilant when purchasing crop protection inputs. Stakeholders are advised to carefully verify product packaging, manufacturing details, expiry dates, and other essential information before making a purchase. The company warned that products offered at unusually low prices compared to the market standard are likely to be non-genuine and pose a risk to agricultural operations.
In an official statement, UPL specifically addressed products containing 2,4-D Sodium Salt (44%), Metribuzin (35%), and Pyrazosulfuron-Ethyl (1.0%) in WDG form. It requested that any entities dealing in such products that are not manufactured by UPL Ltd or marketed by UPL Sustainable Agri Solution Limited or Swal Corporation Ltd must immediately cease all such activities. Any offer for sale without proper authorization will be treated as infringement, and UPL intends to pursue legal consequences against all offenders.