Louis Vuitton Wins Copyright Case in Delhi High Court, Website Fined Rs. 5 Lakhs

In a victory for intellectual property rights, the Delhi High Court has awarded renowned French luxury brand Louis Vuitton Rs. 5 lakhs in costs against the website www.haute24.com .

Justice Prevails for Copyrighted Material

The case, presided over by the esteemed Justice Mini Pushkarna, centred around the unauthorized use of Louis Vuitton's copyrighted photos, images, and promotional materials on the website. The court ruled in favour of Louis Vuitton, highlighting the legal consequences of copyright infringement.

Website Fined and Ordered to Cease Infringement

The court's order not only imposes a financial penalty on the website owner but also mandates the removal of all infringing Louis Vuitton content. Interestingly, the court clarified that the website can continue selling pre-owned Louis Vuitton products as long as it explicitly states on its website that these are "authentic pre-owned goods" belonging to Louis Vuitton.

Landmark Decision Strengthens Copyright Protections

This case sets a significant precedent for copyright protection in India. The court's swift action – including the initial website blocking order in 2022 – conveys that unauthorized use of copyrighted material will be met with serious consequences.

Louis Vuitton Successfully Defends Intellectual Property

Louis Vuitton successfully argued that the website's use of its photos constituted copyright infringement. The court acknowledged the artistic merit of the images used for promotional purposes, recognizing them as "artistic works" under the Copyright Act of 1957. This bolstered Louis Vuitton's claim to copyright ownership, as the images were commissioned and used specifically for promoting their products.

Impact on Businesses and Consumers

The Delhi High Court's ruling reminds businesses and consumers of the importance of copyright protection. Companies must diligently obtain proper licenses for any copyrighted material they use. On the other hand, consumers can be confident that brands like Louis Vuitton can protect their intellectual property and ensure the authenticity of their products.