Indian film actor Jackie Shroff, a veteran, has scored a major legal victory in the preservation of his image and persona. The High Court of Delhi recently passed an interim order, which restrained several entities from using his name, image, voice and other personality attributes wrongly. This move came as Shroff sued for the unauthorized use of his look-alike and catch phrases. Shroff’s lawyers discovered places where they believed that his rights in personality were violated such as when other people used the actor’s picture of “Bhidu” term to identify him without his permit through different kinds of media.
Jackie Shroff releases official statement on Delhi High Court order protecting his personality rights: “Essential to checkmate any inappropriate application or misapplication”
In an official statement, Jackie Shroff stated that “I am extremely grateful to the judiciary for issuing an order that protects my Personality Rights including my name, image, likeness, voice among other unique attributes. For a long time celebrities had no way out when their images were misused. However I am encouraged by courts’ progressive recognition and protection of these rights seen especially in landmark cases like those involving Mr Amitabh Bachan and Mr Anil Kapoor. These have been very inspiring precedents that have encouraged me to showcase my rights.”
He added further that “In today’s ever changing technological arena particularly with advents such as digital media it is important to regulate any illegal usage or abuse of celebrity attributes since celebrities are powerful influencers whose misuse can give wrong impressions about association between a star and certain goods or services.” By distorting celebrity personas it not only waters down our brand equity but also confuses the wider population.”
The actor continued saying that “Our case was highly appreciated by the Hon’ble High Court of Delhi and found it fit to protect the personality rights which we enjoy given our large following in society. The court upheld my personalty rights and granted an injunction against anyone misusing my name, image, likeness, voice among others. This protection extends across all media including digital platforms with a specific prohibition on the use of AI, deep fakes, GIFs, AI chat-bots and similar technologies to exploit my persona without my express consent.”
“The security of my personality rights is vital for the integrity and dignity attached to my life’s work. It also saves my fans from the mischief of evil persons in our society. In this regard I thank all those members of the judiciary who stood by me.” Jackie concluded.
