Newsletter - June, 2024

IP Rights over ‘Aap ki Adalat’ in the matter of ‘Aap ki Adalat’ versus ‘Baap ki Adalat’: Delhi High Court

[Independent News Service Private Limited v. Ravindra Kumar Chaudhary (CS (COMM) 498/2024)]

The Hon’ble High Court of Delhi, recently, granted an ex-parte ad interim injunction against ‘Baap Ki Adalat’ for being deceptively similar to the well-known television program ‘Aap Ki Adalat’. The Hon’ble Court also granted protection to the ‘Personality Rights’ of the host of the show ‘Aap ki Adalat’ and famous news anchor Rajat Sharma and restrained the Defendants from indulging in any acts which could violate the Personality rights of Rajat Sharma.

In light of personality rights, Bombay High Court Restrains Release of Film ‘Shaadi Ke Director Karan Aur Johar’ Over Unauthorized Use of Karan Johar’s Name

[Karan Johar v. IndiaPride Advisory Pvt. Ltd. And Ors. (COM IPR Suit (L) No. 17863 of 2024)]

The Bombay High Court restrained the release of the film ‘Shaadi Ke Director Karan Aur Johar’ and any related promotional material, citing a strong prima facie case that the filmmakers had unauthorizedly used Karan Johar’s name and persona. The Court also prohibited the filmmakers from using Johar’s name or any references to ‘Karan Johar’ in the film’s title or promotions, including all promotional materials intended for sale, promotion or distribution. During the hearing, Senior Advocate Zal Andhyarujina, representing Karan Johar, argued that celebrities have personality rights, which encompass the right to publicity and the right to privacy under common law. He cited several cases involving celebrities like Rajinikanth, Anil Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, and Jackie Shroff, where courts have acknowledged these personality rights.