Delhi High Court Restrains Ilaiyaraaja from Exploiting Saregama’s Musical Works
The Delhi High Court passed an interim order restraining composer Ilaiyaraaja from exploiting certain musical works over which Saregama has claimed ownership rights. The dispute concerns the commercial exploitation of compositions allegedly assigned to Saregama under prior agreements. The Court directed that the works in question shall not be exploited pending further hearing in the matter.
Delhi High Court Restrains Deepika Padukone’s Company from Using ‘Lotus Splash’ Mark
The Delhi High Court granted an interim injunction restraining Deepika Padukone’s company from using the mark “Lotus Splash” for its face cleanser product. The order was passed in a trademark infringement suit filed by a party claiming prior registration and use of the mark. The Court held that a prima facie case was made out and restrained further use of the impugned mark.
Supreme Court Disposes Plea Against Film Title ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’ After Title Dropped
The Supreme Court disposed of a plea challenging the film title “Ghooskhor Pandat” after the filmmakers agreed to drop the controversial title. The petition had alleged that the title was offensive and capable of hurting sentiments. In view of the filmmakers’ decision to change the title, the Court declined to proceed further with the matter.
Delhi High Court Protects Kajol’s Personality Rights and Privacy
The Delhi High Court upheld the protection of actor Kajol’s personality rights and privacy against unauthorised use. The matter concerned alleged misuse of her identity and persona. The Court recognised the enforceability of personality rights and directed protection against unauthorised commercial exploitation.
Kerala High Court Issues Notice in Plea Seeking Cancellation of ‘The Kerala Story 2’ Censor Certificate
The Kerala High Court issued notice to the makers of “The Kerala Story 2” and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in a petition seeking cancellation of the film’s censor certificate. The petition challenges the certification granted to the film and raises concerns regarding its impact. The matter is currently pending before the Court.
Bombay High Court Grants Interim Protection to Shatrughan Sinha Against Unauthorised Exploitation of Personality Rights
In Shatrughan Prasad Sinha v. John Doe, Meta & Ors., the Bombay High Court, in an ad-interim order dated 16 February 2026, granted ex-parte relief in favour of veteran actor and politician Shatrughan Prasad Sinha. The suit, filed by Sinha under his ordinary original civil jurisdiction, sought permanent and mandatory injunctions restraining various unidentified individuals and platforms from infringing his personality rights, including his name, screen persona, voice, image, catchphrase and distinctive performance style.
Hero MotoCorp Stops Using “AERA” Trademark After Dispute with Matter Motor
Hero MotoCorp has discontinued the use of the trademark “AERA” for its electric two-wheeler following a trademark dispute with EV startup Matter Motor. The dispute arose after Matter Motor asserted prior rights over the mark “AERA,” claiming that its trademark applications and use of the mark predated Hero’s adoption of the same for its electric mobility segment.
The conflict centred on priority of adoption and registration under trademark law. In view of the opposition and competing claims, Hero MotoCorp decided to stop using the “AERA” branding on its vehicles and related promotional material.
United Breweries Secures Trademark for “Kingfisher Oo-la-la-la-le-o” Jingle
United Breweries has successfully secured trademark protection for the iconic jingle “Kingfisher Oo-la-la-la-le-o,” reinforcing its legal rights over one of the most recognisable audio identities in the Indian beverage market. The trademark covers the distinctive sound mark, which has been widely associated with Kingfisher’s brand advertising and promotions over the years. By obtaining registration for the jingle as a sound mark, United Breweries has strengthened its ability to prevent unauthorised use of the tune, protect its brand equity, and enforce exclusive rights against third parties who might attempt to capitalise on the jingle’s goodwill without permission.
ByteDance to Curb AI Video App After Disney Legal Threat
Chinese technology firm ByteDance has pledged to curb features of its AI-powered video-making tool Seedance 2.0 following legal threats from The Walt Disney Company, including a cease-and-desist letter accusing the company of copyright infringement by using Disney’s characters and content without authorisation. Disney’s legal notice claimed that the AI model was trained on – or allowed output featuring – copyrighted characters from its franchises such as Star Wars and Marvel, prompting steps to strengthen safeguards and restrict unauthorized use of intellectual property in the app. In response, ByteDance stated it respects IP rights and is taking measures to improve safeguards to prevent misuse of IP and likenesses by users, amidst broader concerns raised by Hollywood studios and industry bodies about AI-generated content and copyright infringement.
