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New Delhi, Nov 20 (IANS) The Delhi High Court has granted ad-interim protection to YouTube content creator and podcaster Raj Shamani, and restrained several online platforms, anonymous entities and businesses from misusing his name, voice, image, likeness and trademarked podcast properties for commercial gain.
A single-judge bench of Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora passed an ex-parte order in a suit filed by Shamani and his company, seeking immediate relief against trademark infringement, copyright infringement, impersonation, fake endorsement, AI-generated deepfakes and unauthorized reproduction of his popular ‘Figuring Out’ podcast series.
Shamani, one of India’s most followed digital creators and host of top-ranking podcast ‘Figuring Out’, told the Delhi High Court that multiple platforms, including booking websites, impersonation channels and AI-enabled deepfake creators, were exploiting her personality and content without her consent.
His lawyer highlighted Shamani’s stature as a “known face”, with over 22.4 million followers, numerous global accolades and major brand associations.
In his order, Justice Arora said several categories of infringing content have been placed on record, including AI-generated deepfakes, portals offering false bookings with Shamani, fake endorsements by companies selling water and supplements, Telegram bots impersonating them and channels reposting their copyrighted podcast clips.
The Delhi High Court held that Shamani’s personality traits – his name, likeness, voice and image – are protectable elements of his personality and publicity rights.
It said, “Plaintiff No. 1 is entitled to seek an injunction against the use of his personality rights by a third party for his commercial gain.” It says doctored, fabricated or obscene content can seriously damage reputation and goodwill.
Delhi High Court directed removal of infringing posts and videos in six identified categories including Meta, Google, YouTube and Telegram.
According to the order, all unidentified entities (John Does) uploading deepfakes, fake endorsements or unauthorized clips will have to disclose their Basic Customer Information (BSI) to the plaintiffs by the platform.
Delhi HC also restrained defendants 1 to 5, 10, 16, 19 and 20 from “directly or indirectly misappropriating, misappropriating or exploiting” Shamani’s identity or trademark.
The matter will proceed before the Joint Registrar for completion of service and arguments on December 24, 2025 and will return to the bench on April 24, 2026.
–IANS
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