Hashtagging Brand Name To Identify Director Not Trademark Disparagement: Madras High Court

The Madras High Court held that using a company’s brand name as a hashtag to identify a director does not amount to trademark disparagement.

Justice N Senthilkumar observed that hashtags merely group content, and posts relating to personal disputes cannot be treated as attacks on the business unless they specifically target the company’s commercial reputation.

Madhampatty Pakashala claimed a ₹11.21 crore loss due to videos tagged with its name, but the Court found no material showing cancellations or any intent to harm the brand. 

As no prima facie case was made out, the request for injunction and removal of content was rejected.

[Madhampatty Thangavelu v. Joy Crizildaa]