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In a landmark ruling, the Delhi High Court has issued a John Doe order to safeguard the intellectual property rights of the iconic and most popular Indian sitcom, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. Neela Film Productions Private Limited, the show’s producer, successfully argued that the title, format, characters, characterisations, mannerisms, dialogues, and other unique elements of the show are protected under intellectual property law.
The Court’s decision comes after Neela Film Productions brought to light the widespread infringement of their rights on various online platforms. The plaintiff identified numerous social media accounts, websites, and YouTube channels that have been illegally using the show’s characters, producing animations, Al-generated images, deepfakes, and even pornographic content featuring the beloved characters. Additionally, certain platforms were found to be selling unauthorised merchandise under the guise of the show.
In granting the ex parte ad interim injunction, Justice Mini Pushkarna recognised the gravity of the situation, stating that Neela Film Productions had established a prima facie case for the injunction. The Court’s order not only restrains known infringers but also extends to John Doe (unknown) defendants who are involved in the illegal activities mentioned.
Mr. Asit Kumar Modi, the well known producer of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, expressed his relief at the Court’s decision, stating, “This show has been a labor of love for everyone involved, and it’s disheartening to see our hard work being exploited in such a manner. We are grateful to the Delhi High Court for recognising the importance of protecting our intellectual property. This order sends a strong message that such infringements will not be tolerated. As the creator of this show, I have always believed in the power of storytelling and the impact it can have on people’s lives. This order not only protects our creative efforts but also boosts the morale of everyone involved in the making of the show. It reassures us that our creativity will be respected and safeguarded, allowing us to continue bringing joy to our audience without fear of exploitation.”
Mr. Modi further added that, “We’ve put in significant effort to expand the TMKOC IP into animation, gaming, and merchandise. This Delhi High Court ruling safeguards our rights, bolstering our confidence to push our creative boundaries even further.” Anand & Naik Law Firm represented Neela Film Productions in this matter. Advocate Madhu Gadodia, Managing Partner, Anand & Naik Law Firm commented, “This order is a significant victory for content creators. The Court has upheld the sanctity of intellectual property rights, and this serves as a precedent for future cases of digital infringement.”
Advocate Ameet Naik, Managing Partner, Anand & Naik Law Firm stated, “This order is first of its kind for protection against infringement of characters in content be it television shows, web series or films.”
The Delhi High Court’s ruling marks a crucial step in the ongoing battle against digital piracy and the unauthorised use of intellectual property in India.
