Thu Jul 17 06:30:57 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
A civil suit has been filed in the Madras High Court by Thondai Mandala Saandror Dharma Paribalana Sabai against Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and its president, actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay. The trust alleges that TVK’s flag uses a color combination that is “deceptively” similar to the trust’s registered trademark, which they have been using on promotional materials and a monthly magazine. The trust claims this similarity could cause confusion, especially since both organizations are involved in social service. The court has issued notices to TVK and Vijay, requesting their response within two weeks. The trust is seeking a permanent injunction to prevent TVK from using its current flag.
**News Article:**
**Madras High Court Issues Notice to Actor Vijay’s Party Over Flag Trademark Dispute**
*Chennai, July 17, 2025* – The Madras High Court has issued notices to Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and its president, actor C. Joseph Vijay, in a civil suit alleging trademark infringement. Thondai Mandala Saandror Dharma Paribalana Sabai, a Chennai-based trust, claims that TVK’s party flag uses a “deceptively” similar color combination to their registered trademark.
The trust, which registered its emblem as a trademark in June 2024, argues that the flag’s similarity could cause confusion, particularly since both organizations are involved in social service. They further state that they have been using their trademark on promotional materials, a monthly magazine, and social media, building considerable goodwill.
Represented by trustee G.B. Pachaiyappan, the trust is seeking a permanent injunction to prevent TVK from using its current flag. Their legal counsel stated that a notice was issued to Mr. Vijay on May 13, 2025, and received a response on May 31, 2025, stating the TVK was not involved in business or commercial activities and hence, a trademark dispute would not arise.
Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy has given TVK and Vijay two weeks to respond to the notice. The court will determine whether the dispute falls under trademark law after reviewing the defendants’ response.
First Piper 