One more trademark clash is making headlines in India and has landed before the Delhi High Court. In the most recent turn, the court is preparing to take up the ongoing ‘Duniyadari’ logo dispute involving the India Today Group and Zee Media Corporation. The case revolves around Zee’s use of the title ‘Duniyadari’—written in Gurmukhi script—for a segment on Zee Punjab Haryana Himachal. India Today alleges that the design is very similar to its own well-known digital show on The Lallantop. Initially, Justice Tejas Karia suggested that Zee consider tweaking its logo to avoid any confusion among viewers. While India Today has signaled a willingness to settle the matter amicably, it insists that Zee stop using the disputed name. But to understand more about this topic keep reading.
What Is the Background of the ‘Duniyadari’ Trademark Dispute Between India Today and Zee Media?
The Duniyadari show first began under the India Today Group, which operates the digital news platform The Lallantop. Since 2020, India Today has produced this segment with its title displayed in Gurmukhi script.
In early 2025, Zee Media Corporation launched a Punjabi-language segment called Duniyadari on Zee Punjab Haryana Himachal, also using the title in Gurmukhi script.
Following this, India Today accused Zee of copying the name and overall design of its well-known news segment. They argued that the similarities in name, script, and presentation could easily mislead viewers into assuming the two programs were connected. India Today argued that Zee’s title and design closely resemble their popular Duniyadari series on The Lallantop, which has a large and loyal audience. The company alleged this amounted to passing off and could dilute the strength of its brand, which has built a loyal audience with some episodes attracting millions of views.
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How Did the Delhi High Court React to the ‘Duniyadari’ Logo Controversy?
At a preliminary hearing on August 7, 2025, Justice Tejas Karia suggested Zee consider altering its logo to avoid any potential confusion among viewers. The court instructed Zee to submit its formal reply by August 22, 2025, with the next hearing set for September 2, 2025.
Zee’s position is that Duniyadari is a common Hindi/Punjabi expression meaning “worldly affairs” and cannot be exclusively claimed by any one party. They also noted that India Today’s trademark registration covers a specific label design, not the word itself.
What Did India Today Demand in the ‘Duniyadari’ Trademark Dispute?
In the lawsuit, India Today made several key demands, aiming to protect its ‘Duniyadari’ brand and prevent any confusion among viewers.
- Stop using the “Duniyadari” title and logo.
- Alleged Zee’s actions amount to passing off and could confuse viewers.
- Warned that such usage may dilute the brand value built since 2020.
- Expressed openness to dialogue but insisted Zee must stop using the contested name during the dispute.
How Zee Media Responded to India Today’s ‘Duniyadari’ Trademark Claims
Zee Media argued that Duniyadari is a widely used Hindi and Punjabi. The network emphasized that India Today’s trademark covers only the stylized label mark of the show, not the word itself, and maintained that its use of the term was both lawful and generic in nature.
Conclusion
The Duniyadari logo dispute shows how important names and designs are for media brands. The Delhi High Court has urged both sides to find a friendly solution, but the final decision will decide if Zee keeps using the title or has to change it. In this article we have provided each details in simple and easy language.
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