Republic TV emerges a winner once again following Times Now filing a suit for using the trademarks ‘Nation wants to know’ and ‘News hour’ by ArnabGoswami.
While Times NOW did take the efforts to constitute this as passing off, the legal representatives of Republic TV fought back by addressing an issue concerning maintainability as Times Now/BCCL had already filed a suit earlier claiming infringement of intellectual property. However, since claims were not made then and it should be barred now.
The judge said, there is so much competition and bitterness between the two that there is no question of Arnab riding on the reputation of Times Now by using these phrases.
“Passing off is impossible. Nobody would believe that Times Now and Republic are associated with each other in any way.”
Most importantly it was pointed out that the phrase ‘Nation wants to know’ are common words that everyone associates only with ArnabGoswami and it is well known that he uses this often while reporting.
With regards to ‘Newshour’, it was brought to notice that there were at least 6 shows which carry the name Newshour. The Judge was made aware of this and took the example of BBC and PBS News hour which has been in existence since the 70s.
The Judge, as a matter of fact, stated that if everyone were to follow this logic, the other channels will have a claim against Times Now for passing off. It was further added that Newshour was also used at NDTV while Arnab was with them. The example of Rajatsharma’s Aap Ki Adalaat, which was carried by him from one channel to the other, was also shared.
The Judge went on and asked Times NOW to act reasonably and “lower the temperature” and not indulge in bitter battles.
While quoting the example of the separation between Rajat Sharma and Zee News, the Judeg said, “Rajat Sharma used to host a show called “Janta Ki Adalat” while he was with Zee. After leaving the network, he changed the title to “Aap Ki Adalat” and is still going strong. Zee did not go after him alleging passing off. You are giving Arnab more publicity by filing such applications.”
The proceedings concluded with no interim order on the catch phrase till the final judgment is passed and there will be no injunction against Republic TV or ArnabGoswami regarding using the phrase ‘Nation Wants To Know’
In a desperate pursuit of leadership and viewership, Times Now has been unsuccessful in all its legal battles against Aranab’sRepublic TV in the recent past.
