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Caterpillar Invests ₹500 Crore For Expansion, Signs MoU

The Tamil Nadu government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Caterpillar, a leading construction and mining equipment manufacturer, in the presence of Chief Minister M K Stalin in Chicago. Caterpillar plans to invest ₹500 crore to expand its construction equipment manufacturing operations in the Tiruvallur and Krishnagiri districts.

After signing the MoU with Caterpillar’s Senior Vice President Kirk Eppler and Country Manager Bhuvan Ananthakrishnan, Stalin shared on X, ‘The longstanding partnership between Caterpillar and Tamil Nadu has been further strengthened by this new investment.’ During his US visit, Stalin has so far secured MoUs worth ₹7,016 crore with 16 companies in San Francisco and Chicago.

Caterpillar’s Tiruvallur plant, established in 1971, was its first production unit in India, focusing on compact construction and mining equipment under the Cat and Hindustan brands. The facility employs around 1,500 people. In addition to producing backhoe loaders, skid steer loaders, off-highway trucks, and hydraulic excavators, Caterpillar’s Hosur facility manufactures engines, gensets, and drivetrain transmissions for power generation and transmission.

The Tamil Nadu government’s MoU with Caterpillar marks a significant boost to the state’s industrial and economic landscape. With Caterpillar’s commitment to invest ₹500 crore, this expansion will enhance its manufacturing capabilities in Tiruvallur and Krishnagiri, contributing to local employment and economic growth. Chief Minister M K Stalin’s efforts in securing over ₹7,000 crore in investments during his US visit underscore Tamil Nadu’s growing attractiveness as a global investment destination. This collaboration not only strengthens the long-standing partnership between Caterpillar and Tamil Nadu but also positions the state as a key player in the construction and mining equipment sector.

As businesses like Caterpillar expand their operations and invest in new regions, ensuring robust legal and regulatory compliance is essential. Vakilsearch provides expert services to support businesses through seamless company registration, compliance with local regulations, and handling complex legal documentation. Leverage our expertise to navigate the intricacies of business operations in new markets, just as Caterpillar is enhancing its presence in Tamil Nadu. Trust Vakilsearch to keep your business on the path to success with tailored legal solutions and comprehensive compliance support.

HC Issues Temporary Injunction Due to Trademark Similarity

The Delhi High Court has issued a temporary restraining order against Star Hospitality, which operates a Vadodara-based restaurant named  ‘SOCIAL AFFAIR,’ due to trademark similarity to Impresario Entertainment & Hospitality Pvt. Ltd.’s registered ‘SOCIAL’ mark. This ex parte ad interim injunction came after Impresario, the plaintiff, filed for interim relief, arguing that the similarity between the marks could confuse the public.

Justice Saurabh Banerjee, who reviewed the case, noted that the defendant’s use of ‘SOCIAL AFFAIR’ was closely aligned with the plaintiff’s registered ‘SOCIAL’ trademark, adding only the suffix ‘AFFAIR’ in an attempt to capitalise on the plaintiff’s established brand. The court highlighted that this could mislead the public into believing that the Vadodara restaurant is affiliated with the plaintiff’s well-known chain of restaurants and bars.

The court emphasised that Impresario, as the prior adopter and owner of the ‘SOCIAL’ trademark, is entitled to protection. It found that the addition of ‘AFFAIR’ did not sufficiently distinguish the defendant’s mark from the plaintiff’s. An average consumer might wrongly assume that the Vadodara outlet is a new location of the plaintiff’s established chain.

The court concluded that allowing the defendant to continue using the disputed mark would likely cause irreparable harm to Impresario. Thus, it ordered the defendant and its affiliates to cease using the ‘SOCIAL’ trademark or any similar mark until the next hearing. The case is scheduled for  16  January  2025, with summons issued for the main lawsuit.

Impresario argued that its ‘SOCIAL’ trademark is well-known, used extensively across India in its restaurants, coffee shops, and bars, and advertised widely. The plaintiff contends that the similarity of the ‘SOCIAL AFFAIR’ name is misleading and detrimental to its business, causing confusion among customers.

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KimCartoon Announces Shutdown Due to Copyright Claims

The major cartoon and anime piracy website KimCartoon has permanently shut down after facing numerous copyright infringement claims, leaving behind a legacy of over 100 million annual page visits. According to Torrent Freak, KimCartoon announced its sudden closure with a brief message: ‘The site is closed for good due to DMCA. Thank you for all your support over the time!’ Data from Similarweb indicates the site received more than 10.3 million visits monthly, totaling an estimated 120 million visits in the last year.

KimCartoon had previously survived several copyright infringement actions, including two subpoenas for the operators’ identities. In 2020, Disney obtained a significant blocking order in Indian courts, preventing access to the site. Despite this, KimCartoon continued by redirecting blocked domains to new ones, with its final version operating under ‘kimcartoon.li.’ A similar blocking order was applied to ‘aniwatch.to,’ once the largest anime piracy site, which also forced a domain change.

Recent weeks have seen significant victories in the fight against piracy. KimCartoon focused mainly on cartoons, though it featured some anime, like  Attack on Titan . It’s not the only site to face shutdowns recently; an international operation involving Brazil, South Korea, and Japan led to the closure of 16 anime piracy sites, collectively garnering over 100 million monthly visits. This followed the overnight shutdown of 10 more piracy sites, including four anime-focused platforms, accounting for a massive 262.9 million monthly visits.

Our expert legal team specialises in managing copyright claims, enforcing intellectual property rights, and navigating complex legal landscapes to secure your creations. With the recent crackdown on major piracy sites like KimCartoon, ensure your content is safeguarded with proactive legal support. Choose Vakilsearch for comprehensive protection and expert assistance in preserving the value of your intellectual property.

 

Jasleen Royal Files Copyright Infringement Lawsuit Against Guru Randhawa

Punjabi singer Guru Randhawa has been sued by Jasleen Royal for copyright infringement, with T-Series and lyricist Raj Ranjodh also named in the case. Guru Randhawa, renowned for hits like ‘Lahore’, ‘Patola’, and ‘High Rated Gabru’, now faces legal trouble. Jasleen Royal, known for ‘Din Shagna Da,’ has filed a case in the Bombay High Court, alleging unauthorised use of her compositions in the song ‘All Right’ from the album ‘G Thing’. 

The compositions in question were originally created by Jasleen in 2022 for promotional events related to the Ajay Devgan movie ‘Runway 34’ and were shared with lyricist Raj Ranjodh via audio-video calls and messages. Despite initial discussions with Guru Randhawa, Jasleen was dissatisfied with the recorded version, leading to a split in collaboration. She claims the song, released by T-Series in 2023, features her original compositions without permission or credit.

The lawsuit includes allegations of copyright infringement and violation of moral rights. Jasleen’s legal team secured an interim court order requiring T-Series to remove the song from all streaming platforms, and prohibiting Raj Ranjodh and Guru Randhawa from further use of the song.

Vakilsearch offers expert legal services to protect your intellectual property rights. From handling copyright infringement cases to ensuring proper credit and authorization for your creations, our team provides comprehensive support tailored to your needs. Secure your creative assets and navigate the complexities of copyright law with confidence. Choose Vakilsearch for expert guidance and robust legal protection in safeguarding your intellectual property.

 

Karnataka HC Overturns MHA Order Revoking FCRA License of Centre for Wildlife Studies

The Karnataka High Court has nullified the Home Ministry’s decision to cancel the FCRA License of the Centre for Wildlife Studies (CWS) under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA). The ruling, delivered on June 25 by a bench led by Justice M. Nagaprasanna, came after CWS contested the cancellation, arguing it lacked justification and that they were denied a personal hearing as required under Section 14(2) of the FCRA.

The Home Ministry, however, claimed that personal hearings were not necessary before revoking a registration, according to PTI. CWS, a research and conservation institute founded by K. Ullas Karanth, had applied for a change in its bank account in 2021, after which it began receiving foreign contributions. Following this, the Union government suspended the trust’s registration for six months and sent a questionnaire, which CWS’s counsel claimed was never received, as reported by The Indian Express.

On 5 March 2021, CWS’s registration was suspended, and in December of the same year, they received a show-cause notice. Ultimately, their FCRA license was cancelled on  4 September 2023. 

Justice Nagaprasanna ruled that a personal hearing was essential in this case, stating, ‘The words in the Act ‘reasonable opportunity of being heard’ should not be limited to the issuance of a show-cause notice, but must include a personal hearing, given the unique circumstances of this case under Section 14(3).’ The court concluded that the absence of a personal hearing made the cancellation order unsustainable and it must therefore be set aside.

Vakilsearch offers expert legal services to help your organization manage and maintain    FCRA License, registration and compliance with confidence. Whether you’re facing issues with the renewal process, responding to regulatory notices, or addressing disputes, our experienced team is here to provide tailored support. Ensure your FCRA compliance is robust and your rights are protected with Vakilsearch’s comprehensive services. Trust us to guide you through the regulatory landscape and safeguard your organization’s operations.

 

FSSAI Suspends License of KFC Thoothukudi

FSSAI Suspends license of a KFC outlet at Velavan Hypermarket in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, after discovering the use of magnesium silicate synthetic, a food additive, to purify reused oil, which violates FSSAI standards. Here’s more on the matter.

According to TNIE, Food Safety Designated Officer Dr. Mariappan stated, ‘During a surprise inspection at the KFC outlet, we found magnesium silicate synthetic, a food additive, being used to purify used oil, which is not allowed by FSSAI regulations. The used oils were not discarded, and the additive wasn’t recorded in the logs.’

He further explained, ‘Officials confiscated 18 kg of synthetic magnesium silicate, 45 liters of used oil, and 56 kg of chicken fried 12 hours earlier. Samples of the oil and chicken were sent for lab testing.’

Further Actions The inspections extended to other nearby outlets due to concerns about artificial coloring agents. Dr. Mariappan mentioned that food safety officials checked pani puri stalls following allegations of artificial coloring. Samples of panipuri and its masala were sent for lab analysis, and further action is pending.

Following FSSAI Suspends license, A KFC spokesperson affirmed, ‘KFC India follows the highest international standards, sourcing high-quality oil and chicken from reputed suppliers. We strictly adhere to FSSAI guidelines.’ They clarified that ‘magnesium silicate as a clarifying agent is approved by FSSAI,’ assuring customers that KFC’s products are safe. KFC is actively working with authorities to resolve the issue.

Latest News KFC’s Tuticorin outlet has reopened following an interim order by the Madras High Court. The court, led by Justice G.R. Swaminathan, found no basis for the prohibition of reused cooking oil in this case and issued a stay on the suspension of KFC’s license, citing procedural issues in the enforcement action.

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ANI sues Netflix for Copyright Violation in IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack

A notice has been filed by the Delhi High Court, addressing Netflix and the show’s producers. By taking legal action, ANI has filed a case against Netflix in court over Copyright Violation with respect to their new series, ‘IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack.’ 

This series portrays the tragic hijacking of India Airline Flight IC 814 from Kathmandu, which is accused of using Content from ANI without authorisation. Their lawsuits spotlight plays between media rights and content, raising questions about how intellectual property is protected in today’s entertainment industry. The series title ‘IC-814: The Kandahar Hijack’ is a dramatised recreation of the original 1999 hijacking of Indian Flight 814 from Kathmandu. 

Since it was released last month, the show has generated a spark in the audience.  It has been condemned for misrepresenting the hijackers as Hindus with Hindu names when they were Muslims. This criticism has been voiced by social media users and members of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party.

Last week, Netflix added a six-episode series after officials were called by India’s information and broadcasting ministry. That is clarified by the code names used in the series were based on those from the real-life incident.

ANI’s lawyer, claimed, ‘That they were using clip footage from ANI without permission and also used their trademark’.  There has been a backlash against the series, damaging ANI’s trademark and brand. They are requesting Netflix to remove four episodes where its content has been used. The Delhi High Court has agreed to take the case and has asked Netflix to respond.

In this clash, India has pointed out Pakistan and Pakistan-based militant groups organization for the hijacking that took place in December 1999. Which ended with New Delhi and released militants, including Masood Azhar, the leader of one of the groups.

The ongoing lawsuits between ANI and Netflix over the series ‘IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack’ highlight an issue related to copyright infringement. The series is related to the legal proceedings, to protect intellectual property rights. For content creators, consumers, and legal professionals this case shows the real implications of Copyright Violation of understanding intellectual property laws. Vakilsearch can provide valuable insights and help these kinds of similar challenges. Our team of IP lawyers can help you with any copyright issues starting from registration to infringement. 

GST Council Has Left Traders Disheartened, While Insurance Stocks Face a Downturn

On Tuesday, traders reduced their bullish positions on insurance stocks following the GST Council decision on Monday to keep GST rates on insurance products unchanged. HDFC Life shares fell 4.4% to ₹703.40, ICICI Prudential Life dropped 1.5% to ₹746.50, and ICICI Lombard General Insurance declined 2.7% to ₹2,172.

‘There was profit-taking because the market had anticipated a GST reduction on term and health insurance during Monday’s GST Council meeting,’ noted Rahul Malani, equity research analyst at Sharekhan. ‘The proposal was deferred, which was unexpected.’

Currently, an 18% GST is applied to insurance products, with the industry advocating for a reduction to 12%. The finance minister has announced the creation of a group of ministers (GoM) to review the proposal, with findings expected before the next meeting in November.

Analysts also pointed to disappointing industry growth figures for August as a factor in the stock decline. ‘The drop in life insurance stocks on Tuesday was driven by the growth moderation from 25% in July to 13% in August,’ said Deepak Jasani, head of retail research at HDFC Securities. ‘While HDFC Life and SBI Life showed significant slowdowns, Max Life and ICICI Prudential performed better.’

Jasani noted that insurance stocks have surged since June, and he expects some consolidation in the near term. Shares of LIC, ICICI Lombard, GIC Re, Max Financial Services, and SBI Life Insurance have risen between 19% and 51% this year, outperforming the broader Nifty index, which has gained 15.2%.

Some analysts believe these stocks won’t fall significantly from current levels. ‘These companies have experienced strong business premium growth, around 20% this year and 22% in August, suggesting continued strength in the insurance sector,’ said Pankaj Pandey, head of fundamental research at ICICI Direct. ‘Therefore, we don’t anticipate sharp declines in these stocks.’ In the medium term, market attention will focus on improved insurance coverage and higher amounts insured, which could further drive stock performance, added Jasani.

Pandey also expressed a favorable outlook on Star Health and Allied Insurance, highlighting it as the only standalone general insurance company without a motor insurance component and likely to benefit from any tax cuts. HDFC Securities maintains an ‘add’ rating for ICICI Prudential and Max Financial Services and a ‘buy’ rating for SBI Life Insurance.

The GST Council’s decision to maintain the current 18% GST on insurance products has led to a downturn in insurance stocks, reflecting market disappointment and profit-taking. Analysts anticipate a period of consolidation in the insurance sector, given the deferral of a much-anticipated GST reduction. Despite the short-term volatility, the sector’s growth potential remains robust, driven by increasing insurance coverage and strong premium growth.

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Amul Secures Relief in Its Trademark Dispute With an Italian Brand

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 In a significant cross-border trademark dispute, the Delhi High Court has granted an injunction in favor of Amul, India’s leading dairy brand, against the Italian company Terre Primitive. Terre Primitive had been marketing cookies and chocolate-covered biscuits under the name ‘Amuleti,’ which closely resembled Amul’s established trademark.

The Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation, which operates the Amul brand, filed the lawsuit with counsel Abhishek Singh arguing that Amul is a globally recognized name, ranked 8th among the world’s top dairy companies. Singh asserted that Terre Primitive had ‘blatantly’ imitated Amul’s trademark by merely altering it with the addition of ‘eti.’

Justice Mini Pushkarna issued an injunction barring the Italian company from using any mark similar to ‘Amul’ and ordered the removal of infringing products from their website. Meta Inc. was also instructed to block or remove the Italian firm’s social media accounts promoting these products. Jayen Mehta, Managing Director of the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation, hailed the ruling as a significant victory for Amul and a precedent for safeguarding domestic brands from foreign infringement.

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Ford’s New Patent Gather’s Driver Data & In-Vehicle Conversations

Ford’s new patent explores the possibility of introducing personalised ads in its vehicles. The automaker has filed a patent application for a system that would use driver data—such as location, speed, and traffic information—to tailor ads displayed on the vehicle’s screens. Additionally, the system might monitor conversations between passengers to determine the optimal timing for ad displays.

According to Ford’s new patent, the system could adjust ad frequency based on whether passengers are engaged in conversation. For example, fewer ads might be shown during active conversations, while more ads could appear during quieter moments. Visual ads might be presented during conversations, while audio ads could be used when there is silence. Ads would not be displayed while the vehicle is in motion to avoid distracting the driver.

It’s important to note that patent applications often serve to protect ideas and are not always implemented. Ford has indicated that the patent is part of its standard practice to protect intellectual property and does not necessarily reflect its current business or product plans. The company emphasised that customer interests will guide their decisions on product and service development.

Automakers are increasingly seeking new revenue sources post-purchase. For instance, Mercedes once charged $1,200 annually for faster acceleration in its electric vehicles, and Ford has made certain standard features optional for an extra cost in its upcoming models.

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