Following Aishwarya and Abhishek Bachchan, Karan Johar Moves Delhi HC Over Personality Rights

Entertainment News: After similar moves by Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan, Indian filmmaker and producer Karan Johar has moved the Delhi High Court to protect his personality rights. He wants to stop people and firms from selling merchandise using his name without permission. This comes soon after the Delhi High Court gave similar protection to Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai, stopping websites and online platforms from using Abhishek’s name or photos for commercial gain without his approval.

What happened in Aishwarya and Abhishek's cases?

In the cases of Aishwarya and Abhishek, the court said it was clear that Bachchan’s personal details like his name, photos and signature were being misused by the accused websites and platforms without his consent, using modern tools such as artificial intelligence. Justice Tejas Karia, in the September 10 order, said these details are closely connected to Bachchan’s professional work and career. Using them without permission damages the goodwill and reputation linked to him.

The court further said Bachchan has shown a strong initial case for getting an ex-parte injunction, and the balance of convenience is also in his favour. The right to publicity, also called personality rights, is the legal right to protect, control and earn from one’s name, image or likeness.

Who was named in the Bachchans' suit?

In the Bachchans’ lawsuit, the named defendant entities include Bollywood Tee Shop, Tee Public, Ice Poster, Top Pix, Wallpaper Cave, Wallpaper.com, GM Authentic Autos LLC, JS Sham Rock and Etsy. The plea also names YouTube channels AI MH 39, Eat with Celebrities, Enjoy with Celebrities, All In 1 and Game with Giri, as well as Google LLC, the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and the Department of Telecommunications.