Today, On 7th February, The Delhi High Court prohibited the unauthorized use of Ratan Tata’s name, picture, and the Tata logo for an award event. The court is also evaluating whether ‘Ratan Tata’ qualifies as a well-known trademark due to his widespread recognition. This decision reinforces legal protections against misusing prominent personalities’ identities. The case highlights the growing importance of trademark rights in protecting individual and brand reputations.
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court issued an injunction on Friday against Rajat Srivastava, prohibiting him from hosting an award named the “Ratan Tata Icon Award” following a lawsuit for intellectual property infringement filed by the Sir Ratan Tata Trust and Tata Trusts.
The Court further ruled that Srivastava could not use the logo or images associated with Ratan Tata and Tata Trusts.
Notably, the Court is also examining whether “Ratan Tata” could be recognized as a well-known trademark due to his prominence.
Justice Mini Pushkarna remarked during the hearing,
“This Court notes that Tata is a well-known mark. Late Mr. Ratan Tata is a well-known figure. His name itself is liable to be protected.”
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During the hearing, the defendant agreed to refrain from using Ratan Tata’s name and to cancel the associated awards. As a result, the suit has been resolved, although the Court has requested an undertaking from the defendants.
The case is scheduled for a compliance hearing on February 12.
This dispute centers on the unauthorized use of well-known trademarks, logos, and the personal name associated with the Tata Group, specifically the trademarks TATA, TATA TRUSTS, and the name and likeness of the late Ratan Tata. The Sir Ratan Tata Trust and Tata Sons initiated this lawsuit to safeguard their intellectual property rights, as well as the reputation and goodwill they have built over more than a century.
The defendants, led by Rajat Srivastava and his company Yuci Mentors Private Limited, are accused of organizing fraudulent events and awards while falsely claiming an affiliation with the Tata Trusts and Ratan Tata, which misled the public and significantly harmed the plaintiffs’ reputation.
The plaintiffs allege that Srivastava organized unauthorized events and awards, such as the “Ratan Tata National Icon Award,” misleadingly claiming support from the Tata Trusts and Ratan Tata.
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Despite receiving a takedown notice from the plaintiffs in December 2024, the defendants continued to promote these events on social media and their website, worsening the infringement.
The plaintiffs are seeking permanent injunctions to prevent any further unauthorized use of their trademarks, logos, and Ratan Tata’s name and image. They are also claiming damages of approximately Rs. 2 crore for the harm inflicted on their reputation and goodwill.
Tata was represented by Senior Advocate Rajeev Nayar, along with Advocates Pravin Anand and Achuthan Sreekumar from Anand & Anand.
Case Title: Sir Ratan Tata Trust Vs Dr. Rajat Srivastava
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