Kamal Haasan’s name and image are protected by a Madras High Court interim ban on commercial use, extended indefinitely. This follows a case where a firm allegedly used his likeness without permission. The court’s decision underscores celebrities’ rights over their brand. Meanwhile, Haasan remains busy with major film projects, including ‘Thug Life’ and ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ sequel.

The Madras High Court has extended the interim ban on the commercial use of actor Kamal Haasan’s name, photograph, and related identifiers until further orders. The latest direction came when the court took up the case again for hearing. In the absence of any representation from the respondent’s side, the court chose to continue the earlier restriction. This reinforces the protection granted to the actor’s personality and publicity rights.

Case filed over the unauthorised sale of merchandise

According to News 18, the legal dispute began after Kamal Haasan moved the court alleging that a Chennai-based firm was selling T-shirts and shirts using his photo, name, the title “Ulaganayagan,” and one of his popular punch dialogues without permission. Stating that the unauthorised commercial use violated his rights, he sought a permanent injunction and civil remedies. The High Court had earlier granted an interim injunction restraining the company from using any of his identity markers for business purposes.

The court continues the restriction

When the matter came up before Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy again, the judge ordered that the interim ban would continue until further orders because the opposite party failed to appear. The extension is viewed as a strong reaffirmation of a celebrity’s exclusive control over their name, image, and brand value in commercial spaces, with the unauthorised sale of such merchandise remaining prohibited for now.

Multiple big-ticket films keep Kamal Haasan in focus

On the professional side, Kamal Haasan is still occupied with several film projects. He recently appeared in Mani Ratnam’s latest movie ‘Thug Life’ and is featured in the sequel to ‘Kalki 2898 AD.’ He started filming for the sequel recently, and his picture with Amitabh Bachchan from the set went viral. The actor is also working on the highly anticipated film ‘KHxRK,’ Nelson Dilipkumar’s directorial, which sees him reuniting with Superstar Rajinikanth after years, keeping him at the center of the limelight across the film industry.