Institute of Cost Accountants of India: Discontinuance of ‘ICAI’ Acronym and Adoption of ‘ICMAI’

Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICAI) issues a circular discontinuing the usage of the acronym ‘ICAI‘ as directed by the Hon’ble High Court of Delhi. The circular mandates the removal of all references to ‘ICAI‘ and the adoption of the acronym ‘ICMAI‘ across physical and virtual platforms.

This decision comes after the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) successfully won a trademark infringement lawsuit against ICMAI. The Delhi High Court, through an interim order issued on March 21, 2023, has restrained ICMAI from further using the acronym ICAI. The court has provided a three-month window for ICMAI to remove the acronym from all physical and virtual media platforms, including websites and social media.

The circular emphasizes the removal of all references to “ICAI” from physical and virtual mediums, including social media handles and websites. Compliance is mandatory for all departments, regional councils, chapters, office bearers, employees, members, and students of the Institute.

ICAI, established in 1949, has been utilizing the acronym ICAI for several decades. On the other hand, ICMAI, founded in 1959, started using the same acronym in 1972. In 2022, ICAI initiated a trademark infringement lawsuit against ICMAI, citing confusion among the public due to the shared use of the acronym.

In compliance with the court order, ICMAI has expressed its commitment to remove the acronym ICAI from all forms of media.

RELEVANT ICMAI CIRCULARS ARE AS FOLLOWS:-

THE INSTITUTE OF COST ACCOUNTANTS OF INDIA
(Statutory Body Under An Act of Parliament)
CMA BHAWAN
12, SUDDER STREET, KOLKATA- 700 016.

Ref. No G/128/06/2023(1)

13th June 2023

CIRCULAR

Sub: Discontinuance of usage of “ICAI” acronym

The Hon’ble High Court of Delhi vide its order dated 21″ March, 2023 has restrained The Institute of Cost Accountants of India from using the “ICAI” as an acronym and directed to take steps. to the fullest extent possible, to remove any and all references to the mark “ICAI” from all physical and virtual mediums which would include social media handles and websites. In compliance thereof, all concerned including all departments, regional councils, chapters, office bearers, elected representatives, employees, members and students of the Institute are hereby directed to refrain from using the acronym “ICAI” and also remove any and all references to the mark “ICAI” from all the physical and virtual mediums under their control and/ or supervision, which would include social media handles and websites with immediate effect.

Any violation of the above order, may invite legal consequences, which shall be at the sole risk and responsibility of the official(s)/ member(s)/student(s)/ office bearer(s) and/ or individual concerned.

(Kaushik Baneriee)
Secretary

Distribution:

1. All Employees of the Headquarters, Kolkata, New Delhi and Hyderabad Centre of Excellence, of the Institute

2. Offices of the IPA, RVO, AAT, ICMAI MARF & ICMAI SAO.

3. All Regional Councils and Chapters of the Institute.

4. Office Order File

Copy to:

All Council Member

*****

THE INSTITUTE OF COST ACCOUNTANTS OF INDIA
(Statutory Body Under An Act of Parliament)
CMA BHAWAN
12, SUDDER STREET, KOLKATA- 700 016.

Circular Ref.No.: G/128/06/2023(2) Dated: 13th June, 2023

Sub: Usage of acronym “ICMAI” for the Institute of Cost Accountants of India

The Council of the Institute at its 344th meeting held on 20th & 21th May, 2023 has decided to use acronym “ICMAI” for the Institute of Cost Accountants of India.

In compliance thereof, all concerned including all departments, regional councils, chapters, office bearers, elected representatives and employees of the Institute are hereby directed to use the acronym “ICMAI” for the Institute of Cost Accountants of India and also insert all references to the mark “ICMAI” in all the physical and virtual mediums under their control and/ or supervision, which would include social media handles and websites with immediate effect.

(Kaushik Baneriee)
Secretary