New Delhi, Nov 17 (UNI) The Supreme Court today appointed former SC judge Justice L. Nageswara Rao as mediator to facilitate an amicable settlement in the ongoing trademark dispute between leading Indian whisky brands John Distilleries (Original Choice) and Allied Blenders and Distillers (Officer’s Choice). In its order dated November 7, the Madras High Court held that “Original Choice” was deceptively similar to “Officer’s Choice” and that its registration violated the Trade Marks Act, 1999. It also confirmed that the 1990 registration of “Officer’s Choice” remained valid. John Distilleries filed a counter-rectification alleging defective registration of “Officer’s Choice”. Considering the prolonged litigation and commercial sensitivity of the dispute, the Supreme Court appointed Justice L. Nageswara Rao to mediate between the parties on a priority basis.