DHC restrains Indian firm from infringing “Barbie” trademark
The Delhi High Court (DHC) restrained an Indian defendant from using “Barbie” or confusingly similar marks in business operations, in a suit brought by Mattel. Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora granted interim relief, holding that such use would infringe Mattel’s registered trademark and cause irreparable harm. The order bars further exploitation without authorization.
DHC shields Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s persona from AI deepfakes
The Delhi High Court (DHC) has restrained unknown parties from creating or circulating AI-generated deepfake videos impersonating spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora held that such misuse of his likeness, voice, and image could irreparably damage his reputation. The order protects his personality rights and bars any commercial exploitation without consent.
BHC curbs AI misuse, protects Asha Bhosle’s personality rights
The Bombay High Court (BHC) granted interim relief to playback legend Asha Bhosle, restraining two U.S.-based AI platforms and other parties from using her voice, singing style, likeness or persona without authorization. Justice Arif S Doctor deemed unauthorised voice cloning and identity appropriation as prima facie violations of her personality rights.
DHC restrains Rupa from selling red-and-black “coat-pocket” Constitution resembling EBC’s
The Delhi High Court (DHC), in a suit by Eastern Book Company, has granted an interim injunction against Rupa Publications, restraining it from manufacturing, marketing, selling or advertising its red-and-black “coat-pocket” edition of the Constitution. The Court found its trade dress, including color scheme, font, embossing and layout, deceptively similar to EBC’s, likely causing consumer confusion.
DHC orders removal of “CROOSE” trademark for deceptive similarity to “CROCS”
The Delhi High Court (DHC) directed the Trade Marks Registry to cancel the registration of “CROOSE” in Class 25, finding it deceptively similar to the established “CROCS” mark. Under Section 11(1)(b) of the Trade Marks Act, the court held the impugned mark would cause consumer confusion. The petition under Sections 47 and 57 was allowed.
CGPDTM Issues Advisory on Unauthorized IP Services and Misuse of Attorney Codes
The Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (CGPDTM) has issued a public advisory against unauthorized IP service providers, including OnlineLegalIndia.com, H. R. Gupta & Co., H. R. Gupta Trademark Bureau, and Reliable Trademark Consultant. These entities are not authorized trademark agents or advocates, and some have misused Attorney codes. Stakeholders are cautioned against engaging with them. An enquiry is underway by the Ad-Hoc Code of Conduct Committee.
AbbVie and BeOne Resolve BTK Inhibitor Patent Dispute
AbbVie and BeOne have voluntarily dismissed their patent infringement lawsuit concerning BeOne’s Brukinsa and AbbVie’s Imbruvica. This follows the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s invalidation of AbbVie’s patent No. 11,672,803, which covered a method of using a BTK inhibitor for chronic lymphocytic leukemia. BeOne reported Brukinsa’s Q2 sales at $950 million, surpassing AstraZeneca’s Calquence.
US Court Overturns $166M Infringement Verdict Due to Expert Testimony Deficiencies
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit reversed a jury’s infringement verdict in Finesse Wireless LLC v. AT&T Mobility LLC, vacating a $166 million damages award. The court found that Finesse’s expert testimony failed to adequately map all claim limitations to the accused technology, rendering the infringement findings unsupported by substantial evidence.
US Court Affirms Exclusion of Damages Testimony, Reduces $10M Jury Award to $1
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit upheld a district court’s decision to exclude Rex Medical’s damages expert testimony in its patent infringement case against Intuitive Surgical. The expert’s reliance on a lump-sum license agreement without proper apportionment led to the jury’s $10 million award being reduced to nominal damages of $1.
Hexaware Faces $500 Million Patent Lawsuit Over Alleged Unauthorized Use of Updraft Technology
Natsoft Corp. has filed a $500 million lawsuit against Hexaware Technologies in an Illinois district court, alleging breach of contract and patent infringement. The suit claims Hexaware used software modernization technology covered by nine patents developed by Updraft, which Natsoft acquired in 2024. Hexaware denies receiving any formal communication regarding the lawsuit.
U.S. Judge Dismisses Antitrust, Trade-Secret Claims in Temu Lawsuit Against Shein
A U.S. federal judge dismissed Temu’s antitrust and trade secret claims against Shein, citing lack of jurisdiction over alleged conduct in China. However, Judge Timothy Kelly allowed Temu to proceed with allegations that Shein sent fraudulent copyright takedown notices and infringed on Temu’s promotional mobile game copyrights.
EA’s $55 Billion Buyout Shifts Focus to Gaming IP Diversification
Electronic Arts (EA) has been acquired in a record $55 billion leveraged buyout by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners. This acquisition underscores a strategic pivot in the gaming industry, emphasizing the monetization of gaming intellectual property (IP) through cross-media ventures, including film and television adaptations.
