Madras High Court shields Ravi Mohan's Bro Code film from beverage firm's trademark threat

A New Delhi-based alcoholic beverages firm has threatened legal action against actor Ravi Mohan's upcoming film Bro Code, demanding the production house stop using the title it claims as its trademark.

The Madras High Court stepped in Friday, granting Ravi Mohan Studios Private Limited an interim injunction that bars Indo Bevs Private Limited from disrupting the film's production, marketing, or release by threatening distributors, exhibitors, and streaming partners. Justice V. Lakshminarayanan issued the ex-parte order for three weeks but warned the protection would lapse if the beverages company does not receive formal notice within that window.

Film Already in Advanced Stages

The action-comedy features Ravi Mohan, S.J. Suryah, and other actors and has been promoted publicly since June 9, 2025. A teaser released August 27 drew 11 million views, signalling strong audience interest ahead of the planned 2026 release.

Indo Bevs objected in September, emailing the studio to assert that "Bro Code" is used as a trademark for an energy drink and a carbonated wine-in-a-pint product. The company warned Ravi Mohan Studios against continuing with the title.

Trademark Application Still Pending

Counsel S. Karthikei Balan, representing the production house, told the court that Indo Bevs cannot issue "groundless threat of infringement" when its own trademark application remains under review by the registry due to an objection. Justice Lakshminarayanan agreed the studio had made out a prima facie case justifying the temporary restraint.

The judge's order blocks the beverages firm from pressuring any commercial partner involved in releasing Bro Code, but the reprieve hinges on timely service of notice.

Source: The Hindu