‘Barfi!’ not to release this Friday?

Zeenews Bureau

Mumbai: The title song of ‘Barfi!’ may have reminded us of Murphy radio and the Murphy baby who featured in the advertisements in the 1960s and 70s, but the company in question is not pleased with makers of the film. The company has sent a legal notice to UTV Motion Pictures for not taking a NOC (No Objection Certificate) before using their registered trademarks of Murphy, Murphy Radio ad Murphy Munna. A letter accompanying the legal notice states that the company will seek a stay order to the release of the film if their legal notice is not taken seriously. Speaking to a tabloid, Sujit Kurup, Advocate of the company said, "The film has used the name of the brand extensively. Apart from the song, the storyline too has Murphy incorporated in it. We hear the hero`s ambition in the film is to become Murphy munna. Not only have they used the client`s name without our NOC but they have also done a negative portrayal of the brand. This is clearly a case of trademark infringement." According to the company’s lawyer, they are looking for a compensation of Rs 50 crore from the production house. "If they do not respond to our notice, we will seek an injunction and ask for a stay of the release of the film," said Kurup. The company is aware that they do not have much time as the film is set to release this Friday and will put in efforts to seek a stay order. Meanwhile, the production house seems confident of not infringing any copyright. In an official statement issued by UTV, they said, "We are clear that there has been no infringement whatsoever and we are in the process of sending a response to the said notice." Let’s hope they sort out the legal formalities before Friday, as the film is one of the most awaited films of this year.