Bollywood veteran Jackie Shroff has taken a firm stance against the unauthorised exploitation of his name and image for commercial purposes, especially the unlicensed use of the Marathi slang ‘bhidu’ infringing his trademark rights.
In a recent development, Shroff approached the Delhi High Court, highlighting the misuse of his personality rights by various entities for financial gain. His legal counsel raised concerns about the proliferation of merchandise, ringtones, wallpapers, and even derogatory memes and GIFs without Shroff’s consent.
Justice Sanjeev Narula responded by issuing summons to the accused parties, scheduling the matter for further deliberation. Shroff’s lawyer emphasised the actor’s extensive filmography, comprising over 200 movies, underscoring his significant marketability.
‘People will think it is endorsed by him,’ the counsel asserted, pointing out the deceptive nature of the unauthorised merchandise. The court was informed about the sale of products like mugs, signed posters, and bags online, all infringing upon Shroff’s rights.
Moreover, the lawyer highlighted the presence of objectionable content, including defamatory memes and morphed images, tarnishing Shroff’s reputation. ‘There is nothing legitimate about any of this,’ the counsel adamantly stated.
While some defendants have ceased their unauthorised activities, Shroff’s legal team remains steadfast in their pursuit of justice. They referenced similar successful lawsuits by actors Amitabh Bachchan and Anil Kapoor, strengthening their case.
Shroff’s proactive approach underscores the importance of protecting celebrities’ rights in an era of rampant digital exploitation. As the legal battle unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the need for stringent measures to safeguard intellectual property and personal identity in the entertainment industry.
As per our IP experts, Jackie Shroff’s legal battle over the ‘Bhidu’ trademark underscores the vital need to protect celebrity rights in the digital age. With unauthorised use rampant, proactive measures like Shroff’s lawsuit are crucial to uphold integrity and safeguard against exploitation. Expert legal counsel at Vakilsearch can help you with trademark disputes or intellectual property protection, our team ensures robust representation for individuals and businesses alike. Contact us today to protect your interests and navigate the complexities of the legal landscape
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