The celebrated filmmaker Karan Johar has recently taken legal action against the makers of the movie “Shaadi Ke Director Karan Aur Johar.” This lawsuit has drawn significant attention in the media industry due to its implications on the use of personal names and identity in the entertainment world.

The Case Overview

Karan Johar, known for his iconic movies and contributions to Indian cinema, has moved the high court against the creators of “Shaadi Ke Director Karan Aur Johar” for the “unlawful” use of his name. According to Johar, the film’s title exploits his reputation and public persona without his consent, potentially misleading the audience and damaging his brand.

Legal Implications

1.Trademark Infringement: One of the primary legal grounds for Johar’s case is trademark infringement. Under the Trademark Act, 1999, a person’s name can be registered as a trademark if it is used in the course of trade. Karan Johar, being a public figure, likely has his name trademarked to protect his brand identity.

2. Right to Publicity: Johar can argue that the unauthorized use of his name violates his right to publicity, which gives individuals control over the commercial use of their identity. This right prevents others from exploiting one’s name or likeness for commercial gain without permission.

3. Defamation: If the film portrays Johar in a negative light or associates his name with content that could harm his reputation, he could also claim defamation. Defamation involves making false statements that injure someone’s reputation.

4. Passing Off: Johar may also use the principle of “passing off” to argue that the filmmakers are falsely representing their movie as being associated with him. This can mislead the public and damage Johar’s professional image.

Past Cases

The entertainment industry has seen several instances where celebrities have taken legal action to protect their names and identities. Here are a few notable cases:

1. Rajnikanth vs. Varsha Productions: In 2015, Rajnikanth filed a lawsuit against the makers of “Main Hoon Rajinikanth” for using his name without permission. The court ruled in favor of Rajnikanth, emphasizing the protection of a celebrity’s persona.

2. Amitabh Bachchan vs. Super Cassettes Industries: Amitabh Bachchan won a case against Super Cassettes Industries (T-Series) for using his voice in a film’s soundtrack without his consent. The court acknowledged the right of celebrities to control the commercial use of their voice.

3. Daler Mehndi vs. PepsiCo: Singer Daler Mehndi sued PepsiCo for using his look-alike in a commercial. The court ruled in favor of Mehndi, highlighting the misuse of his persona.

Conclusion

The case of Karan Johar vs. the makers of “Shaadi Ke Director Karan Aur Johar” underscores the importance of legal protections for personal identity and brand in the entertainment industry. As celebrities increasingly seek to safeguard their names, likenesses, and reputations, this case will likely set a precedent for future legal battles in the realm of intellectual property and personality rights.

The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications, not only for Karan Johar but also for how the industry approaches the use of names and identities in film and media. It serves as a reminder to filmmakers and creators to seek proper permissions and respect the rights of individuals when creating content that could impact their personal and professional lives.

Written by- Kaiser vashisht, 3 year (LLB),Guru Nanak dev university