Delhi High Court Orders Removal of ‘Godfather’ Name From Sanjay Dutt Whisky

The Delhi High Court has issued a significant legal directive, ordering the withdrawal of the ‘Godfather’ branding from a whisky venture associated with actor Sanjay Dutt. The court’s injunction mandates that Cartel Bros. Pvt. Ltd. must halt the use of the name, affecting advertising, online sales listings, and promotional social media content. This judicial action follows a legal challenge initiated by Devans Modern Breweries, which has held the trademark rights for the ‘Godfather’ mark in relation to alcoholic beverages since 1984.

Legal Battle Over Trademark Infringement

The dispute originated after Devans Modern Breweries observed promotional materials for a new whisky product linked to Sanjay Dutt. The company argued that its trademark registration extends across a wide range of alcoholic products, including whisky and rum, not solely beer. Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, presiding over the case, granted the injunction, emphasizing the potential for consumer confusion and the protection of long-standing established marks.

In response to the legal proceedings, Cartel Bros. Pvt. Ltd. informed the court that it had already initiated a rebrand for the product, aiming to transition from the contested name to a revised label titled ‘The Glenwalk Godfather’s by Sanjay Dutt’. The company also requested to withdraw its initial trademark application to facilitate the use of this modified, composite branding. The court's decision highlights the rigorous scrutiny applied to intellectual property, particularly when established brand identities are at risk of dilution.

Trademark Protection and Brand Identity

The core of the issue lies in the value of established brand equity. Legal experts note that while film titles may not always qualify for standalone copyright protection in India, the unauthorized adoption of well-known names for consumer goods—especially when combined with high-profile celebrity branding—often triggers trademark litigation. The courts in India are increasingly protective of well-known marks, reinforcing the principle that companies cannot simply appropriate established identities to gain commercial traction in different market segments.

This ruling serves as a reminder to businesses regarding the necessity of thorough trademark searches and the risks associated with industry overlap. By preventing the use of the ‘Godfather’ name, the Delhi High Court has reaffirmed that trademark law is designed to safeguard the goodwill and market presence that companies have meticulously built over decades, regardless of the celebrity influence involved in the opposing venture.