The Rajasthan High Court has recently lifted a stay on the release of the upcoming Alia Bhatt-starrer Jigra, resolving an ongoing trademark dispute. The dispute originated from a petition filed by Bhallaram Choudhary, claiming that the title Jigra infringed upon his registered trademark. The stay was initially granted by a commercial court, halting the film’s release.
Trademark Infringement Allegations
Choudhary alleged that the title of the movie closely resembled his registered trademark "Jigra," which he uses in connection with his business. He contended that Dharma Productions, the producers of Jigra, violated his intellectual property rights by choosing a title identical to his trademark. This similarity, according to Choudhary, could potentially create confusion in the marketplace and harm his business reputation. Based on these assertions, the commercial court had earlier granted an interim injunction, halting the film's release.
Dharma Productions’ Response
Dharma Productions, in response, challenged the stay order in the Rajasthan High Court, arguing that the title of a creative work like a movie does not typically violate trademark laws unless there is a clear connection between the title and the goods or services offered under the trademark in question. They contended that the trademark registered by Choudhary is in an entirely different domain, unrelated to the entertainment industry or films. The production house also emphasized that halting the movie’s release would cause irreparable financial and reputational harm, given the substantial investments involved in the film's production and marketing.
High Court’s Ruling
After considering the arguments from both sides, the Rajasthan High Court decided to lift the stay on the film’s release. The court observed that while there might be similarities in the name, the likelihood of confusion between Choudhary’s business and a cinematic production like Jigra was minimal. Furthermore, the court highlighted that any damage Choudhary might suffer due to the title could be compensated through monetary damages, and thus, there was no need for an injunction that would prevent the movie’s release.
The court’s decision allows Dharma Productions to proceed with the release of Jigra, much to the relief of the filmmakers. However, it noted that the final resolution of the trademark infringement claims will occur in subsequent hearings. The next hearing on the matter is scheduled for October 16, 2024.
Conclusion
The Rajasthan High Court’s ruling in favor of Dharma Productions is a significant victory for the filmmakers, clearing the way for the release of Jigra. While the trademark dispute remains unresolved, the decision to lift the stay ensures that the movie can reach audiences without further delays. This case underscores the complex intersection of intellectual property rights and creative expression in the film industry, with both sides continuing to present their arguments in the ongoing litigation.
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