Lifelines limited for game manufacturer

UK company Celador Productions Ltd, producer of the popular television quiz show 'Who Wants to be a Millionaire?', has persuaded the Delhi High Court to stay the manufacture and sale of a board game in India called 'Who Wants to be a Crorepati?' until a final decision is made regarding trademark infringement. Maharaja Industries had been making the game for Olympia Games & Toys Pvt Ltd, which then sold them in Mumbai.

In 2000 Celador licensed the right to produce a Hindi version of 'Who Wants to be a Millionaire?' to News Television India. Celador subsequently launched a range of products based on the game show, such as a quiz book, a board game and a computer game.

Last year Celador discovered that a board game containing identical features to its 'Who Wants to be a Millionaire?' board game was being sold in Mumbai under the name 'Who Wants to be a Crorepati?' (a crore being equal to ten million).

The final decision in this case of alleged trademark infringement is expected before the end of the year.

Gladys Mirandah, Ella Cheong Mirandah & Sprusons, Singapore