Shamani's court win is wind in sails for content creators

Judgment shows courts willing to recognize, enforce personality rights in creator economy

- Pratishtha Bagai & Krishna Yadav

The Delhi high court granted an injunction, preventing individuals, companies from misusing Raj Shamani's persona.

(X/@RAJSHAMANI)

The Delhi high court's decision to protect podcaster Raj Shamani's personality rights could reshape brand contracts, content tie-ups, and the handling of impersonation issues across the creator economy, as experts expect a wave of similar requests from other content creators.

"We have seen in the cases for movie personalities, who followed one after another, so other influencers may prefer similar pleas and approach the court," said law firm Saraf and Partners’ advocate Gauhar Mirza, who specializes in technology law.

The judgment sends a clear signal that courts are willing to recognize and enforce personality rights in the creator economy, said law firm Aishani Partners’ managing partner Aditi Verma, who specializes in intellectual property (IP) law.

"It also educates creators about the legal value of their personal brand, encouraging them to view their name, image, and likeness as protectable assets," she said, adding that growing awareness is likely to make more creators vigilant about misuse and proactive in seeking legal remedies.