The Madras High Court on Thursday delivered its verdict in a long-running brand endorsement dispute involving actor Tamannaah Bhatia, dismissing her appeal and upholding the earlier order of a single judge bench.
The dispute pertains to Power Soaps Limited, against which Tamannaah Bhatia alleged that the company continued to use her images for product promotion without authorization after the expiry of their agreement. The actor had previously issued a legal notice to the company and sought compensation of approximately ₹1 crore.
The court stated that the single judge’s decision in the matter was appropriate and found no grounds for interference. It declined to entertain Tamannaah Bhatia’s appeal, thereby allowing the earlier order in favour of the company to remain in effect. Legal proceedings in the matter continue, with both parties monitoring developments.
The case arises from an endorsement agreement signed on October 7, 2008, between Tamannaah Bhatia and Power Soaps Limited. Under the terms of the contract, the actor was required to promote the brand until October 6, 2009. Tamannaah Bhatia has alleged that the company continued to use her name and images even after the contract expired.
According to reports, soap packets featuring her photographs were available in the market between November 2010 and February 2011, a period during which she was in discussions with other brands.
Tamannaah Bhatia sent legal notices to the company and its advertising agency in January and February 2011 but reportedly received no response. She subsequently approached the court seeking ₹1 crore in damages, claiming unauthorized commercial use of her image.
Earlier, the single judge bench of the High Court had dismissed her petition, observing that there was insufficient basis regarding the contractual terms and subsequent usage. The division bench has now affirmed that decision.
