The Delhi High Court on Friday passed an interim order restraining persons at large from infringing the personality and publicity rights of veteran Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan.

"Firstly, Kudos to the court and team representing Bachchan for this remarkable order. Unlike the usual John Doe orders passed to protect against piracy of films and other audio-visual content, this order is perhaps a first to protect against the individual attributes of a public personality.

I am sure other prominent figures would want to avail such protections too in the near future to protect against guerrilla use by infringers of their name, likeness, voice and image."

By Lavin Hirani, Partner and Practice Head (Media & Entertainment), MDP & Partners

Bachchan sought an omnibus order in the form of a John Doe order against such persons and others who are infringing his image rights.