After the New Delhi High Court declared that the unauthorized use of Amitabh Bachchan’s voice, image, and videos is prohibited, now South Indian artist Rajnikanth also issues public notice against the use of his name, personality traits, images and voice without his permission.
Civil and criminal charges will be pressed against anyone found to be using any kind of personality trait that is uniquely distinguishable with Rajnikanth, without the actor’s approval or consent.
Exploitation Of An Actor’s Reputation
Both, Amitabh Bachchan and Rajnikanth, two of the most celebrated actors of Bollywood and Tollywood respectively, have issued public infringement over unauthorised use of their name, voice, image, or characteristic features.
This decision was taken after it was found that several agencies and product brands were unofficially expropriating the name, voice, photograph, caricature image, computer AI-generated image and other characteristics closely associated with the actors, to tempt people to purchase their products, which in most cases could lead to deception.
Amitabh Bachchan’s Plea
The Big B, Amitabh Bachchan appealed before the New Delhi High Court, declaring that he wishes to issue public notice over the infringement of his personality rights.
In his plea, Mr. Bacchan stated that he is “one of the most sought-after celebrities for brand endorsements” and keeping that in mind, he always “ensures that he endorses a product only after carrying out a thorough background check of the brand, its perception in the minds of the public and other relevant factors.”
Justice Navin Chawla, who handled Mr. Bacchan’s case, noted, “The plaintiff is aggrieved that defendants are unauthorisedly using his celebrity status to promote goods and services without his permission or authorisation.”
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Rajinikanth Issues Public Notice
Elambharathi, the lawyer of renowned actor, Shivaji Rao Gaekwad, aka Rajinikanth, sent out a two-page public notice on January 29, 2023, stating that anyone who violates the personality rights of the actor through unsanctioned use of any of his characteristic features, will be legally charged with criminal and civil action.
The notice reads, “Our client is an actor of humongous reputation having acted in films across languages for decades. His charisma and nature as an actor and a human being has earned him the title ‘Superstar’ called upon by millions of his fans worldwide.
The sheer proportion of his fan base and his respect across the film industry is unmatched and indisputable. Any damage to his reputation or personal would entail a great loss to our client having its effect over many spheres.”
The notice also stated, “Our client states that his image, name, unique photographs, and or likeness on digital platforms and physical platforms all of which are distinctive to our client, and any unauthorized use of the same by anyone is likely to create confusion and deception amongst the public.” It further read, “No one can utilize and/ or misappropriate and /or imitate any facets of our client’s personality (including but not limited to his name, voice, image, and any other distinctive elements that are uniquely associated with OUP Client) and /or exploit the same commercially in any manner whatsoever without the consent and /or express authorisation from our client.”
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Disclaimer: This article is fact-checked
Image Credits: Google Photos
Feature Image designed by Saudamini Seth
Source: The Times Of India, India Today & The Hindu
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This post is tagged under: Amitabh Bacchan, Rajnikanth, Bollywood, Tollywood, superstar, actor, movie, unauthorised use, images, voice, caricature images, videos, computer generated AI image, personality traits, characteristics, infringement, copyright infringement, criminal action, civil action, law, exploitation, reputation, products, brands, illegal use of images, videos and voice, public notice, entertainment
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