Delhi HC orders ban on unauthorized use of 'TMKOC' content
What's the story
The Delhi High Court has recently issued a restraining order against multiple YouTube channels, websites, and social media accounts to stop them from infringing on the intellectual property (IP) of the popular, long-running sitcom Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah.
The order was passed by Justice Mini Pushkarna on August 14 and covers unauthorized merchandise sales, creation of AI photos, deepfakes, character imitations, and animated videos.
Details
Court order applies to unknown defendants
The court order also applies to unknown defendants.
It states, "An order of ex parte ad-interim injunction is passed thereby restraining the defendant nos. 1 to 12 and 14 to 21, (including the John Doe parties), their owners, partners, proprietors, officers, servants, employees and all others in capacity of principal or agent, acting for and on their behalf or anyone claiming through by or under it."
Copyright infringement
Neela Film Productions reported infringement of rights
Neela Film Productions, the producer of the sitcom, told the High Court they own the rights to the show's title, characters, dialogues, and other intellectual property.
Moreover, they alleged that various social media accounts, websites, and channels were infringing on these rights, selling unauthorized products, and even creating videos, deepfakes, animations, and pornographic content using the show's characters.
Subsequently, the court agreed that Neela Film Productions had a strong case and granted an injunction.
Recent controversy
Latest developments related to 'Taarak Mehta...'
The beloved show has been at the center of controversy for a while now.
In a recent development, actor Gurucharan Singh, who used to play the role of Roshan Sodhi, claimed that he didn't leave Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah in 2012, but the makers replaced him.
He was also in the news for abruptly disappearing for about a month for a "spiritual journey."
Moreover, actor Kush Shah, who played Goli, recently bid adieu to the show.