The Delhi High Court, on October 14, 2025, restrained Ravi Mohan Studios Pvt. Ltd. from using the title "BroCode" for its upcoming film. The order came after Indospirit Beverages Pvt. Ltd., makers of the popular alcoholic beverage "BROCODE," alleged trademark infringement and misuse of their well-known brand name.
Justice Tejas Karia, while hearing the plea, observed that the defendant’s use of the identical mark for a movie could mislead consumers and harm the beverage company's reputation.
Background
Indospirit Beverages, a Delhi-based company established in 2014, manufactures and markets both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Its flagship product 'BROCODE,' launched in 2015, has gained substantial recognition among young Indian consumers for its carbonated wine-in-a-pint format.
The company claimed that over the years, 'BROCODE' has become more than just a beverage name - it has grown into a cultural brand, especially after its digital ventures like the YouTube series BroCode Roast and the Onam Ulsavam Song music video, which together have amassed millions of views online.
However, trouble began when Indospirit discovered that Ravi Mohan Studios, a Chennai-based film production house, had announced a new film titled BroCode. The beverage company argued that the use of the identical mark without authorization amounted to trademark infringement, potentially confusing viewers into thinking the film was associated with or endorsed by Indospirit.
Despite direct communication and legal notices, the production house allegedly refused to withdraw or rename the film. Matters escalated after the studio secured an interim order from the Madras High Court preventing Indospirit from issuing groundless threats.
Court's Observations
Justice Karia examined the evidence and communications exchanged between the two parties. The court noted that Indospirit’s 'BROCODE' was a registered trademark in several classes, including those covering beverages and merchandise.
The bench observed,
"The Plaintiff’s mark has acquired a strong and exclusive association with the Plaintiff. The Defendant's use of the same title in its upcoming film is likely to cause confusion in the minds of consumers."
It further held that the defendant's choice of an identical title, despite being aware of Indospirit's established rights, appeared deliberate and could mislead the public into assuming a commercial connection between the film and the beverage brand.
The court emphasized that trademark protection is not confined merely to the product category. When a mark has attained a distinct identity and reputation, even unrelated businesses cannot appropriate it in a manner that causes dilution or deception.
"If the Defendant is not restrained, it is likely to cause harm to the Plaintiff’s reputation, leading to erosion of consumer trust and goodwill," Justice Karia remarked.
Decision
After considering the pleadings and documents, the court concluded that Indospirit had made out a prima facie case for injunction. The balance of convenience, it said, tilted in favour of the beverage company since the film was yet to be released.
Accordingly, Justice Karia issued an ad-interim injunction restraining Ravi Mohan Studios, its directors, distributors, and associates from using, promoting, or broadcasting the term 'BROCODE' in any form - including in the movie’s title, trailer, posters, or online campaigns - until the next hearing scheduled for December 23, 2025.
The judge clarified, however, that the studio was not barred from producing the film itself, provided it refrains from using the contested title.
In simple terms, the Delhi High Court has put a temporary halt on the use of 'BroCode' as a movie title, siding with Indospirit's argument that the mark represents more than a drink - it’s a brand that carries a cultural and commercial weight of its own.
Case Title: Indospirit Beverages Pvt. Ltd. v. Ravi Mohan Studios Pvt. Ltd.
Case Number: CS(COMM) 1104/2025
Date of Order: October 14, 2025