Home / Crime and Justice / Supreme Court stops newspaper from using 'Aaj Tak' name
Supreme Court stops newspaper from using 'Aaj Tak' name
8 Oct
Summary
- Supreme Court dismissed a plea over using the name 'Saurashtra Aaj Tak'.
- The High Court previously restrained the newspaper from using the title.
- The case was deemed a clear instance of passing off by the courts.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed a plea challenging a Delhi High Court order that restrained a Gujarati newspaper from using the name 'Saurashtra Aaj Tak'. The High Court had determined that the title could create a misleading impression of an association with the Aaj Tak news channel.
A bench of the Supreme Court found no reason to interfere with the High Court's prior judgment, agreeing that the case involved clear 'passing off'. TV Today Network had argued that the newspaper's use of 'Saurashtra Aaj Tak' amounted to passing off and could confuse the public.
Previously, the Delhi High Court had set aside a trial court order that had allowed the newspaper to use the title with a disclaimer. The High Court mandated that the newspaper adopt a new name, distinct from the Aaj Tak trademark.
The dispute originated in 2002 when TV Today became aware of the newspaper's publication from Rajkot. A passing-off suit was filed in April 2003. Although a trial court initially allowed the newspaper to use the title with a disclaimer in February 2012, the High Court ultimately directed a change of name.
The Supreme Court has granted the newspaper three months to comply with the High Court's directive and complete its re-branding.
