NDTV Good Times issues notice to TLC over use of ‘Foodistan’ trademark

NDTV Good Times has sent a legal notice to Discovery Communications’ TLC channel, which, it alleged, has misappropriated the use of the name of NDTV Good Times’ programme ‘Foodistan’ for a cookery show on their channel, completely disregarding trademark protocols. 

In the legal notice, NDTV Good Times has asked TLC to cease and desist using its trademark Foodistan to further their business and consequently remove all references from their channel and website. According to the notice, this has critical business implications as the channels are key competitors in the genre of lifestyle programming and appeal to an identical target audience. 

NDTV Good Times had presented a food reality show, titled ‘Foodistan’, which went on air in January 2012. ‘Foodistan’ showcased a battle for culinary supremacy between 16 chefs from India and Pakistan and attained a lot of popularity. The show was heavily promoted with widespread advertising and extensive use of public relations. Thereafter, NDTV Good Times filed for the registration of the trademark Foodistan in September 2013 and the registration is under process. 

In the meantime, TLC Channel has recently introduced a cookery show, also titled ‘Foodistan’. 

In a press note issued, NDTV Good Times stated that several independent websites are also identifying the logo of its original show ‘Foodistan’ for TLC’s impugned show. NDTV Good Times added that they were, however, using ‘Foodistan’s logo while mentioning the telecast on TLC channel, which was misleading viewers.