The Delhi High Court has granted an ex-parte ad-interim injunction in favour of actor Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (Jr NTR), restraining several online sellers, e-commerce platforms and intermediaries from selling unauthorised merchandise carrying his name, image and nicknames. The order was passed by Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora on 22 December 2025.
Background of the Case
The suit was filed by Jr NTR asserting personality and publicity rights, accusing merchants and marketplace platforms of commercially exploiting his identity without permission. He relied on his long-standing reputation in cinema, brand endorsements, registered trademarks, and publicly recognised sobriquets like “NTR”, “Jr NTR”, “Man of Masses”, and “Young Tiger.”
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His counsel argued that sellers were offering T-shirts, posters, merchandise and AI-generated content for profit, misleading consumers and damaging his brand value. The plaintiff also highlighted that he holds registered trademarks in multiple classes and that his public image is tied to commercial goodwill.
Court’s Observations
After reviewing documents and screenshots, the Court acknowledged Jr NTR’s established reputation and association with the public, noting that his personality traits attract commercial value.
The bench recorded that:
“Plaintiff is a well-known face in India who has gained immense goodwill… and has acquired a celebrity status.”
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Referring to past rulings on personality rights, the Judge held that unauthorised commercial exploitation of a celebrity’s persona amounts to infringement and invites legal restraint. The Court found a prima facie case, stating the balance of convenience favoured the plaintiff and that continued sales would cause irreparable injury.
Key Directions Issued
The High Court passed a detailed interim order restraining various defendants including individuals, online sellers and platforms from selling or hosting merchandise featuring Jr NTR’s persona without consent.
Major directions include:
- Restraining defendants from using his name, image, likeness, nicknames or AI-generated content commercially.
- Ordering takedown of infringing product links listed in Annexure A within 72 hours.
- Directing intermediaries like Google to reindex URLs if sellers fail to comply.
- Asking e-commerce platforms to file policies explaining how they handle IP-infringement complaints.
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The bench also flagged inconsistent stand from one platform, noting that they removed infringing items in a similar case but declined action here. The Court clarified it expects platforms not to take a “hands-off” approach when reported of infringement.
Final Decision
The Court granted ex-parte ad-interim injunction until the next hearing, restraining the infringing defendants from selling, promoting or facilitating merchandise using Jr NTR’s identity without authorisation.
The matter is next listed for further proceedings.
Case Title:- Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao vs Ashok Kumar / John Doe & Others
