A popular eatery in Hyderabad, Chiranjeevi Dhaba, has recently found itself embroiled in a legal dispute over its name. The restaurant, known for its "dhaba-style" cuisine, received a legal notice from the Hyderabad Civil Court after the Telugu cinema icon Chiranjeevi approached the court to protect his personality rights.
The owner of Chiranjeevi Dhaba, Ravi Tej, addressed the situation via an Instagram video, confirming the receipt of the legal notice and clarifying the circumstances surrounding the naming of his establishment. According to Ravi Tej, he named the dhaba after Chiranjeevi with the actor's consent. He claims to be a long-time fan of the "Mega Star" and sought permission before using his name.
The legal notice is part of a broader effort by Chiranjeevi to safeguard his name, image, voice, and likeness from unauthorized commercial exploitation across various digital platforms. The Hyderabad Civil Court has granted an ad-interim injunction to protect Chiranjeevi's personality rights, acknowledging the potential for public misperception and the risk of irreparable damage if his identity is used without permission. The injunction covers a wide range of media, including AI-generated content and Metaverse applications.
Chiranjeevi filed a plea against over 30 online entities, including e-commerce stores, YouTube channels, and digital media platforms, accusing them of exploiting his persona for commercial and personal gain without his consent. The court recognized that Chiranjeevi's titles, such as "Mega Star," "Chiru," and "Boss," along with his image and voice, are integral to his personality and hold significant commercial and reputational value. The court also acknowledged the risk of public misperception, stating that unauthorized usage could lead audiences to believe Chiranjeevi endorses the products or ideas depicted.
Ravi Tej maintains that his use of the name "Chiranjeevi Dhaba" was done with the actor's blessing and out of admiration. He expressed his willingness to cooperate with the legal proceedings and hopes to resolve the matter amicably.
Chiranjeevi Dhaba is located in HUDA Layout-Lingampally, Hyderabad, and is known for its traditional and innovative culinary offerings. The restaurant has garnered positive attention for its quality ingredients, flavorful dishes, and customer service.
The case highlights the growing importance of protecting intellectual property and personality rights in the digital age. With the rise of social media, AI, and metaverse technologies, celebrities and public figures are increasingly vulnerable to unauthorized use of their identity for commercial or malicious purposes. The court's intervention in this matter underscores the need for clear guidelines and legal frameworks to safeguard individual rights in the digital realm. The legal battle may set a precedent for similar cases involving the use of celebrity names and images in commercial ventures.
