Taylor Swift Sued Over ‘Showgirl’ Trademark Dispute
Pop star Taylor Swift has been sued by Las Vegas performer Maren Wade over alleged trademark infringement relating to her album The Life of a Showgirl.
Wade claims the album title infringes her long-running brand Confessions of a Showgirl and risks causing consumer confusion. She argued that Swift’s global reach could “drown out” her established work built over more than a decade.
The complaint also notes that the United States Patent and Trademark Office had earlier refused Swift’s trademark application citing potential confusion.
Wade has sought an injunction restraining use of the title along with damages.
Ahmedabad Court Restrains Rebel Foods from Using ‘Honest’ Prefix in Trademark Dispute
An Ahmedabad commercial court has granted interim relief to The Honest Reveira by restraining Rebel Foods Pvt Ltd from using the prefix “Honest” for its brand Honest Bowl.
The plaintiff, claiming use of the mark since 1976 with multiple registrations in Class 43, alleged trademark infringement, passing off and dilution. It argued that the use of “Honest” by Rebel Foods was deceptively similar and likely to mislead consumers.
The court, in its prima facie view, found merit in the claim and held that such use could cause confusion in the market. It issued a show-cause notice to Rebel Foods and sought its reply by April 13.
Bombay HC Seeks Reply from Republic TV in Anil Ambani Defamation Suit
The Bombay High Court has sought a reply from Republic TV in a defamation suit filed by Anil Ambani alleging reputational harm from its reports on financial transactions linked to Reliance Group companies.
Justice Milind N. Jadhav, while hearing the plea for interim relief, declined to pass immediate orders but orally directed the channel to exercise restraint and avoid disparaging remarks.
Ambani contended that he was not involved in the day-to-day affairs of the entities mentioned and that the reports contained false insinuations.
The Court has directed Republic TV to file its affidavit and listed the matter for April 16, 2026.
Delhi HC Orders Takedown of ‘Volume 1’ Song, Calls Lyrics “Grossly Vulgar”
The Delhi High Court has ordered the immediate removal of the song Volume 1, associated with Yo Yo Honey Singh and Badshah, from all digital and streaming platforms, terming its lyrics “grossly vulgar” and derogatory towards women.
Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav observed that the content was ex facie obscene, dehumanising and devoid of any artistic, literary or social value. The Court noted that unrestricted online circulation, including access by minors, aggravated the harm.
Directions were issued to platforms such as YouTube LLC and Spotify to remove all versions, including remixes and derivatives. The matter is listed for May 7, 2026.
Script Theft Dispute Brews Over ‘Dhurandhar 2’
A controversy has emerged between filmmaker Aditya Dhar and writer Santosh Kumar over alleged script theft relating to Dhurandhar 2.
Dhar has denied the allegations and, through legal communication, warned against what he termed “false claims,” indicating possible legal action. Kumar, however, maintains that the film is based on his script registered in 2023 and claims he possesses supporting material, including drafts and emails.
He further alleged lack of response from production houses, including Jio Studios, and accused the makers of altering his story.
With both parties standing firm, the dispute appears headed for litigation.
Delhi HC Bars Memes, Deepfakes Using Aniruddhacharya’s Identity
The Delhi High Court has granted interim relief to preacher Aniruddhacharya, restraining unauthorised use of his name, voice, image and likeness in memes, videos and AI-generated deepfakes.
Justice Tushar Rao Gedela directed platforms including Meta Platforms Inc., X Corp. and Google LLC to remove flagged content. The Court held that such material was not mere parody but disparaging and capable of causing immediate reputational harm.
It recognised a prima facie case of personality rights infringement, including fabricated endorsements and distortion of teachings, and allowed continued submission of infringing links for takedown.
US Court Dismisses $50 Million Copyright Suit Against Cardi B
A Texas court has dismissed a $50 million copyright infringement lawsuit against Cardi B over her song Enough (Miami).
U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez dismissed the suit without prejudice, finding deficiencies in the plaintiffs’ claims, including lack of copyright registration at the time of filing.
The plaintiffs alleged that the track copied their song Greasy Frybread, but the Court rejected attempts to apply Texas law and held further amendments would be futile.
Cardi B’s legal team argued the work was not protected when the suit was initiated. The ruling marks another legal victory for the artist amid ongoing touring commitments.
Delhi HC Orders Paramvah Studios to Pay ₹25 Lakh for Copyright Infringement
The Delhi High Court has directed Paramvah Studios, owned by Rakshit Shetty, to pay ₹25 lakh to MRT Music for unauthorised use of songs in Bachelor Party.
Justice Tejas Karia rejected the defence that brief usage did not require a licence, holding the songs were integral to the narrative.
The Court also found wilful non-compliance with its 2024 order directing deposit and takedown, amounting to contempt. While noting a later apology, it imposed costs instead of imprisonment, emphasising that even minimal use of copyrighted works requires prior authorisation.
T. Rajendar Moves Madras HC Alleging Copyright Infringement of Film Songs
Filmmaker T. Rajendar has approached the Madras High Court alleging unauthorised exploitation of songs from his film Uyir Ulla Varai Usha.
Rajendar contended that despite being the composer, lyricist and producer, his works are being commercially used across digital and broadcast platforms without consent or payment of royalties. The suit names multiple entities, including AVM Productions, alleging continued infringement of his copyright.
He has sought a permanent injunction restraining further use, along with disclosure of revenues earned and compensation for losses suffered.
The High Court has issued notice to the defendants and listed the matter for further hearing.
Dish TV Moves Kerala HC Seeking Regulatory Parity with DD Free Dish
Dish TV India has approached the Kerala High Court seeking regulatory parity between private DTH operators and Prasar Bharati’s DD Free Dish platform.
The plea urges the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to mandate encryption and Digital Addressable System compliance for DD Free Dish, arguing that its unencrypted model creates an uneven playing field.
Dish TV contends that DD Free Dish operates commercially by carrying private channels and generating revenue without similar regulatory obligations.
The case raises broader concerns on competition, consumer access and public broadcasting policy, with the next hearing scheduled for June 2.