Ashneer Grover, a prominent Indian entrepreneur and former managing director of BharatPe, has officially trademarked his name under Class 41 of the Trade Marks Act 1999. Known for his candid and often sharp remarks on the Indian business reality TV show Shark Tank India, Grover’s latest move aims to strengthen his brand identity and expand commercial opportunities.
The registration was confirmed by Aditi Tuteja, an independent legal practitioner specialising in intellectual property and trademarks. Sharing the official certificate on LinkedIn, Tuteja described the process as navigating complex legal landscapes to achieve an important milestone.
She emphasised that trademarking Grover’s name not only fortifies his brand identity but also extends his commercial reach beyond entertainment.
This decision places Grover among a group of high-profile Indian celebrities, including Alia Bhatt, Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Ajay Devgn, and Amitabh Bachchan, who have similarly trademarked their names to prevent misuse.
Tuteja also discussed the broader challenges of celebrity trademarks in India, explaining that the Trade Marks Act 1999 does not specifically address the issue. However, existing laws and judicial rulings enable public figures to protect their names and images.
She noted that trademarks provide exclusive rights to use a name in connection with specific goods or services, safeguard brand identity and reputation, and protect against unauthorised use or infringement.
The move sparked mixed reactions online. Some users joked about whether anyone else could now use the name “Ashneer,” with one comment suggesting he should trademark his well-known phrase, “Ye sab doglapan hai.” Another remarked that future parents might want to reconsider naming their children Ashneer.
In India, personality rights are not explicitly covered in the Trade Marks Act of 1999, yet many celebrities have leveraged trademarks to secure legal protection for their names. Under Section 9(1) of the Act, a name may be registered if it has acquired distinctiveness through prior use or is well-known. Section 12 allows multiple proprietors to register a name in specific circumstances, while Section 14 requires written consent for names falsely suggesting connections to individuals.
Trademarking a personal name grants significant advantages, such as exclusive usage rights, enhanced market opportunities, and the potential for the name to grow as a valuable brand asset. As Grover joins the ranks of celebrities with trademarked names, the move signals a step forward in protecting personality rights and exploring commercial ventures in an increasingly competitive market.
