Bombay High Court imposes ₹50 Lakh costs for suppression of facts in trademark infringement suit
The Bombay High Court has imposed costs of ₹50 lakh on a plaintiff for concealing material facts and obtaining an ex parte injunction through misrepresentation in a trademark infringement case.
Justice Arif Doctor, presiding over the matter, observed that the plaintiff, proprietor of M/s Family Footwear, had secured an injunction order by deliberately suppressing critical information. The plaintiff failed to disclose that his trademark registration was territorially restricted to Maharashtra and that the defendants were prior and bona fide users of the impugned mark. The Court held that such omissions amounted to a fraud on the court and could not be treated as inadvertent.
The suppression of facts led to severe prejudice, as the defendants’ business operations were disrupted following the seizure of their goods pursuant to the injunction. The Court directed the plaintiff to pay ₹25 lakh each to the two defendants within four weeks.
Read more about it here.
MeitY proposes amendments to IT Rules to combat deepfake and AI-Generated content abuse
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has proposed amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, aimed at curbing the misuse of artificial intelligence and deepfake technologies on social media platforms. The draft seeks to introduce specific obligations for intermediaries to ensure accountability and transparency in managing AI-generated content. Following are the key proposed changes:
- Definition of Synthetic Content:
The draft introduces the term “synthetically generated information”—any content created or modified using computer resources that appears authentic but is artificially generated. - Mandatory Labelling of AI-Generated Content:
Intermediaries must ensure that all deepfake or AI-generated material is clearly labelled or tagged as synthetic, using visible text, metadata, or embedded identifiers. - Obligations for Platforms Enabling Creation of Synthetic Media:
Apps or platforms that allow users to create synthetic content must ensure such content carries permanent and prominent labelling, including audible or visible cues where applicable. - User Declarations and Automated Detection:
Significant social media intermediaries (SSMIs) will be required to collect user declarations confirming whether uploaded material is synthetically generated, and to deploy automated tools to verify and detect such content. - Safe Harbour and Compliance:
Platforms that act promptly to remove or restrict access to synthetic content upon receiving complaints will retain safe-harbour protection under the IT Act. Failure to comply or knowingly promoting deepfake content may result in loss of such protection.
MeitY has invited public feedback until November 6, 2025, before finalising the amendments.
Read the draft rules here.
Hyderabad Court upholds Chiranjeevi’s personality rights, bars misuse of his name and image
The Hyderabad City Civil Court has granted an ad-interim injunction protecting actor Chiranjeevi’s personality rights, restraining over 30 online entities from using his name, image, voice, or likeness without consent. Judge S. Sasidhar Reddy observed that Chiranjeevi’s persona including titles like “Megastar” and “Boss” forms an intrinsic part of his identity and holds “immense public recognition and commercial value.” The court held that any unauthorised use could mislead the public and cause irreparable harm to his reputation. The matter will be heard next on October 27, 2025.
Read more about it here.
Delhi HC protects Hrithik Roshan’s personality rights, orders removal of infringing content
The Delhi High Court has granted interim relief to actor Hrithik Roshan, safeguarding his personality rights and directing the removal of unauthorized content infringing upon his name, image, voice, and likeness. Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora emphasized that such attributes are protectable elements of his identity and entitled to protection against misuse, including AI-generated or distorted content that demeans his reputation. The court issued directions to online platforms to identify and remove infringing material within three weeks.
Read order here.
Ilaiyaraaja approaches Madras High Court over unauthorized use of songs in Dude
Legendary composer Ilaiyaraaja has approached the Madras High Court alleging unauthorized use and distortion of his song “Karutha Machan” from the 1991 film Pudhu Nellu Pudhu Naathu in the upcoming movie Dude, directed by Pradeep Ranganathan. The composer claims that his tracks are being exploited without consent, with modifications such as added beats, and that music companies like Sony Music are “cheating” him by continuing to use his work without authorization. During a hearing on October 22, 2025, Ilaiyaraaja’s counsel, contended that the music company had failed to provide day-to-day revenue accounts from streaming platforms and had submitted documents in a sealed cover, a practice criticized by the Supreme Court. Justice N. Senthilkumar decided to defer further proceedings until the Supreme Court addresses the matter.
Read more about it here.
Madras High Court to hear petitions against Tamil film Desiya Thalaivar, biopic on M.G. Ramachandran
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has received petitions against Desiya Thalaivar, a biopic on late politician M. G. Ramachandran (MGR), raising objections over its content and portrayal. The petitioners urged the court to direct authorities to cancel the film’s CBFC certification. The court has sought a response from the Centre on the matter. The hearing has been scheduled for October 28.
Read more about it here.
TRAI’s proposed broadcast audit reforms spark industry divide
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has proposed changes to broadcast audit rules, leading to a divide between broadcasters and distribution platform operators (DPOs). Broadcasters argue that the draft weakens their audit rights and anti-piracy measures, while DPOs oppose the provision allowing broadcasters to send representatives to on-site audits, citing concerns over confidentiality and operational disruptions. TRAI aims to resolve disputes but faces criticism for potentially exceeding its authority and complicating regulatory processes. Stakeholder feedback is being solicited to address these concerns.
Read more about it here.
Centre announces higher ad rates and reforms to support print, tv, and radio
The Indian government plans a 27% increase in advertisement rates for print media and regulatory reforms to support TV and radio. Information Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the need to strengthen conventional media amid digital disruption. On TRP reform, he stated: “There is a major distortion in TV news channels due to the current rating system. We are evaluating improvements to provide a level playing field. Television Rating Point (TRP) guidelines are being formulated. The first round of consultation is complete, feedback has been received, and a second consultation paper will soon be published.”
Read more about it here.
Delhi High Court orders takedown of AI-Generated video making false claims about Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur
The Delhi High Court has directed Meta Platforms to remove an AI-generated video on Instagram falsely claiming that Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur, staff poisoned guests in 2018. The video, posted by the account “Travelagio,” had over 20,000 views. Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), owner of Taj Hotels, sought the injunction, stating the content was fabricated, misleading, and damaging to the hotel’s reputation. Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora observed that the video misrepresented the hotel and could cause irreparable harm to its reputation. The court also ordered Meta to disclose the user’s identity and prevent re-uploading of similar content.
Read more about it here.
MIB to introduce single-window digital portal to streamline live event approvals
The Information and Broadcasting Ministry is launching a single-window digital portal to simplify permissions for live shows and cultural festivals, aiming for approvals within 15 days. Developed by the Live Events Development Cell, the platform will consolidate various approvals, allowing organizers to access venue details, capacity limits, pre-cleared licenses, and final approvals.
Read more about it here.
Madras High Court recognizes cryptocurrency as property under Indian Law
In a significant ruling on October 25, 2025, the Madras High Court recognized cryptocurrency as property under Indian law, affirming its status as an asset capable of ownership and trust. Justice Anand Venkatesh emphasized that while cryptocurrencies are intangible and not legal tender, they possess essential characteristics of property—they are definable, identifiable, transferable, and can be exclusively controlled through private keys. The Court cited precedents from New Zealand and the UK, which also recognized cryptocurrencies as property that can be held in trust. This decision arose from a case where an investor’s XRP holdings on the WazirX platform were frozen following a cyberattack.
Read more about it here.
Delhi High Court restrains use of ‘WOW BURGER’, upholds WOW Momo’s trademark rights
The Delhi High Court has restrained the use of the mark “WOW Burger”, affirming the trademark rights of Wow Momo in the food sector.
The court noted that Wow Momo’s use of the “WOW” prefix over the years has acquired distinctiveness and goodwill, making it closely associated with the brand’s identity in consumers’ minds. Unauthorized use of a similar mark in the food industry could mislead customers into thinking there is an association with Wow Momo, resulting in trademark dilution.
Read more about it here.
Delhi High Court bars unauthorized use of Tata’s “Vivanta” Trademark
The Delhi High Court has issued an ad-interim injunction against an entity using the name “Vivanta Stays”, ruling that it infringes upon the “Vivanta” trademark owned by The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), a part of the Tata Group. Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora observed that the defendant’s adoption of the mark was deliberate and mischievous, likely to mislead consumers into believing an association with IHCL’s established hospitality services.
Read more about it here.
