New Delhi, Nov. 4 -- New Delhi may no longer be an easy first stop for companies fighting brand infringement cases.

The Delhi high court returned 17 intellectual property (IP) suits on Tuesday, warning businesses against choosing the national capital simply because it is a convenient place to fight legal battles. The court described such practices as "forum shopping" and "litigation tourism."

Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav returned the cases involving companies such as Nivea, Kajaria Ceramics, Marico, Zydus Wellness and JSW MG Motor India. The court said companies cannot file cases in Delhi merely because rival products are available online, websites can be accessed in the city or products ordered by investigators are delivered here....