Shaadi.com Recognised as a Well-Known Trademark
The Bombay High Court held Shaadi.com, owned by People Interactive (India) Pvt. Ltd., to be a well-known trademark under the Trade Marks Act. The Court relied on extensive evidence of reputation, goodwill, and public recognition, restraining use of the mark and domain getshaadi.com for identical services and reinforcing cross-class protection for well-known marks.
Courts Urge Caution in Personality Rights Claims
The Delhi High Court ordered takedown of unauthorised online images of YouTuber Bhuvan Bam while clarifying that personality rights cannot be conclusively determined at the first hearing. The Court stressed that interim relief must be narrowly tailored and that definitive findings require full pleadings and evidence.
Public Interest Paramount in Pharma Patent Disputes
The Delhi High Court held that in cases involving life-saving drugs, courts must “err in favour of public interest”. Vacating the injunction against Zydus, the Court stressed that patent restraints require clear product-to-claim mapping and irrefutable prima facie infringement, and should not make essential medicines unavailable to patients.
Dynamic Injunctions Essential to Tackle Online Piracy
The Madras High Court granted an ad-interim dynamic injunction in favour of Aamir Khan Productions to curb online piracy of Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos. The Court restrained multiple ISPs and cable operators from unauthorised dissemination, holding that such relief is necessary to address repeat and continuing infringement, particularly ahead of a film’s release.
Sound Marks Capable of Trademark Protection
Courts and the Indian Trademark Registry recognised the Taj Group’s sound as a trademark, affirming that non-visual elements are protectable when they function as source identifiers. The registration of Taj Hotels’ distinctive musical sequence, used consistently across hospitality services, underscores that trademark protection extends beyond visual marks to sounds that build brand recall and consumer association.
Personality Rights Protect Against Commercial Misappropriation
The Madras High Court held that unauthorised commercial use of Kamal Haasan’s name, image, or likeness amounts to misappropriation of personality rights. The Court observed that such rights safeguard individuals against false endorsement and dilution of persona, independent of conventional privacy protections.
Generic Words Remain in the Public Domain
The Delhi High Court held that “Tiger” is a common and generic expression incapable of exclusive ownership. The Court observed that trademark law does not permit monopolisation of everyday language and cautioned against attempts to stifle competition through overbroad claims of distinctiveness.
CNIPA Revokes Licenses of Four Patent Firms Over Fabricated Applicants
China’s National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) revoked the practice licences of four Chinese patent firms for submitting 107 patent applications based on fabricated applicants using stolen personal data bought from a convicted individual. CNIPA found the firms had registered accounts with stolen information and failed to properly manage patent agent qualifications, seriously disrupting IP market order.
Mexico’s 2026 IP and Trade Agenda Intensifies
Mexico has kicked off 2026 with a strategic focus on intellectual property and trade policy amid the ongoing US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) review. The agenda prioritises stronger enforcement against piracy and counterfeiting, legislative harmonisation with international IP standards, and enhanced data and trade secret protection. Institutional strengthening of IMPI and effective dispute resolution mechanisms are central to Mexico’s efforts to modernise its IP framework and support innovation-led trade growth.
Publishers Move to Join AI Copyright Suit Against Google
Publishers Hachette Book Group and Cengage Group asked a California federal court for permission to intervene in a proposed class action against Google, alleging the company used copyrighted books without permission to train its Gemini AI model. They argued their participation would strengthen claims of widespread copyright infringement.
PTAB Invalidates Maxeon’s Patent Claims in Canadian Solar Dispute
The U.S. Patent Trial and Appeal Board ruled in favour of Canadian Solar, invalidating all patent claims asserted by Maxeon Solar Technologies in ongoing litigation. The decision removes a significant asserted patent obstacle and clears the way for Canadian Solar’s continued development and deployment of its solar technology.
Federal Circuit Clarifies IPR Estoppel Scope
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit held that inter partes review (IPR) estoppel under 35 U.S.C. § 315(e)(1) does not apply to ongoing ex parte reexamination proceedings at the Patent Office. Because ex parte reexaminations are maintained by the Office and not by the petitioner, estoppel cannot bar these parallel challenges.
UK Seeks ‘Reset’ in AI Copyright Regulation
UK government ministers acknowledged that earlier proposals to allow AI developers to train on any lawfully accessible material unless creators opted out were flawed. They signalled an upcoming review to balance AI innovation with protection and reward for creative rights holders, reflecting widespread concern from the creative sector.
