Ashneer Grover, a well-known entrepreneur and former co-founder of BharatPe, has successfully trademarked his name, adding it to the list of notable public figures who have turned their names into intellectual property. The development was confirmed by Delhi High Court lawyer Aditi Tuteja, who specializes in intellectual property rights. Grover’s name is now registered under class 41 of the Trade Marks Act, 1999. This milestone highlights the evolving landscape of celebrity trademarks in India, where public figures seek to protect their names and identities as valuable assets.
Ashneer Grover trademarks his name
As per reports, Aditi Tuteja shared the news on LinkedIn, posting the trademark certificate and elaborating on the process. She stated, “After navigating legal landscapes, we achieved this significant milestone. This trademark not only strengthens their brand identity but also expands their commercial reach beyond entertainment.”
She also pointed out that trademarking a celebrity’s name is a complex issue in India. Although the Trade Marks Act, 1999 does not explicitly address personality rights, existing laws and court rulings allow individuals to protect their names and images.
Ashneer Grover is not the first public figure to trademark his name. According to Tuteja, other celebrities, including Alia Bhatt, Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Kajol, and Ajay Devgn, have also successfully trademarked their names.
Legal framework for name trademarks in India
Trademarking personal names in India involves leveraging existing laws and provisions under the Trade Marks Act, 1999. Key prerequisites include:
• Section 9(1): Allows registration if the trademark has acquired distinctiveness through prior use or is well-known.
• Section 12: Permits registration by multiple proprietors under specific circumstances.
• Section 14: Mandates written consent in cases involving false suggestions of connection with living or deceased persons.
According to reports, these provisions enable individuals to secure their names as trademarks, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
Benefits of trademarking personal names
Trademarking a name offers several advantages, including:
• Exclusive rights: Ensures the individual has sole rights to use their name for goods or services, preventing unauthorized use.
• Brand identity protection: Safeguards the individual’s reputation and public image.
• Market expansion: Enhances opportunities for commercialization and brand partnerships.
• Asset value: Turns the name into a valuable intellectual property asset that can appreciate over time.
For Ashneer Grover, this move solidifies his brand identity, protecting it from misuse and potentially expanding his commercial ventures.
Public reactions and criticism
Grover’s decision to trademark his name sparked mixed reactions on social media. While some praised the move as forward-thinking, others responded with humor and criticism. One user joked, “You should have trademarked your dialogue, ‘Ye sab doglapan hai.’” Another quipped, “To all future Grover parents, do not name your kids as Ashneer anymore :)”
Implications of celebrity trademarks
Trademarking personal names reflects the growing recognition of an individual’s name as an asset in a digital and brand-conscious age. However, this trend also raises several considerations:
• Ethical concerns: Can individuals monopolise common names, limiting their use by others?
• Legal challenges: Trademarking a name requires fulfilling strict criteria to ensure it does not infringe on the rights of others.
• Commercial potential: Trademarks can open avenues for brand expansion and collaborations but also invite scrutiny regarding their intent and scope.
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