Delhi High Court Grants Permanent Injunction Against Fake YouTube Channel for Intellectual Property Infringement

Google LLC Directed to Remove Channel Within 48 Hours; Defendant No. 2 Proceeded Ex-Parte for Impersonation and Misuse of Personality Rights

In a significant judgment, the Delhi High Court has granted a permanent injunction against an impersonating YouTube channel, '@AnajanaomKashya', which was found to be infringing upon the intellectual property rights of T.V. Today Network Limited. The judgment, delivered by Justice Tejas Karia, addresses the unauthorized use of Plaintiff No. 2's photographs, fake videos, and purported news clippings intended to misappropriate the Plaintiff's personality and established identity.

The Plaintiffs, represented by advocates including Mr. Hrishikesh Baruah and Mr. Kumar Kshitij, successfully argued that the fake channel was likely to cause enormous damage and disseminate misinformation. The court observed that the material placed on record demonstrated the defendant's intent to mislead viewers into believing the channel was endorsed by the Plaintiff.

Google LLC, listed as Defendant No. 1, was directed to remove the impugned channel within 48 hours as per the interim order dated June 20, 2025. Additionally, Google LLC was required to disclose the Basic Subscriber Information (BSI) of the channel owner, identified as Dr. Pooja, to the Plaintiffs. Compliance with these orders was confirmed, and no further directions were deemed necessary against Google LLC.

Despite valid service of summons, Defendant No. 2 failed to appear or file a written statement, leading the court to proceed ex-parte against them. The suit was decreed in favor of the Plaintiffs, reinforcing the injunction against unauthorized use of Plaintiff No. 2's intellectual property.

Justice Karia's order underscores the court's commitment to protecting intellectual property rights and curbing the misuse of digital platforms for impersonation. The decree effectively restrains Defendant No. 2 from further infringing activities, safeguarding the Plaintiffs' reputation and preventing the spread of misinformation.

The judgment marks a crucial step in addressing online impersonation, highlighting the legal recourse available to entities facing similar challenges. The Plaintiffs, in this case, opted not to press for damages, focusing instead on securing their intellectual property rights through injunctive relief.

Bottom Line:

Permanent injunction granted for violation of intellectual property rights, impersonation, and misuse of personality rights owned by the Plaintiffs. Fake YouTube Channel impersonating Plaintiff No. 2 restrained.

Statutory provision(s): Intellectual Property Rights, Compliance with Court Orders, Ex-Parte Proceedings

T.V. Today Network Limited v. Google LLC, (Delhi) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2810249