Killer Jeans vs Killer Soup: Why Kewal Kiran Clothing Ltd is taking Netflix to Bombay High Court

Konkana Sen Sharma in Killer Soup. (Photo courtesy Netflix)

Kewal Kiran Clothing Limited (KKCL), the maker of Killer Jeans, is taking streaming giant Netflix to Bombay High Court, alleging trademark infringement by Netflix series Killer Soup starring Manoj Bajpayee and Konkana Sen Sharma. The issue, KKCL says, is the use of the word Killer in the title. According to reports, KKCL is seeking damages up to Rs 25 crore, and removal of any content that infringes the trademark. The first court hearing is on Monday, March 11.

KKCL is listed on the National Stock Exchange. As of Thursday, KKCL's stock price was Rs 736.85, down Rs3.65 from the previous closing. (Markets were closed on Friday on account of Mahashivarati).

Killer Soup, a kooky crime drama, where a woman kills her husband to set up house with another man who looks just like her husband but has a very different temperament, got rave reviews when it released on Netflix on January 11, 2024. Manoj Bajpayee has a double role in the series - as the murdered husband and meek lover.

Reports say KKCL lawyers sent a notice to Netflix as well as series producer and Macguffin Pictures, to remove the word "Killer" from the title as well as promotional material for the series.

A press release by KKCL on March 9 said: "Kewal Kiran Clothing Limited, the makers of 'KILLER JEANS,' have filed a suit before the Bombay High Court against the makers of the web series 'KILLER SOUP' for infringing their Trade Mark 'KILLER.' KKCL has impleaded the producers Macguffin Pictures LLP and Netflix Entertainment Services India LLP as Defendants in the Suit.

"This case... raises crucial questions about trademark rights and brand protection in the entertainment industry. 'Killer Soup,' a mystery-thriller series produced by Netflix, has garnered acclaim for its captivating storyline and characters. The Manoj Bajpai and Konkona Sen Sharma starrer was released by Netflix on its platform on 11th January 2024, with the title 'KILLER SOUP.' KKCL has taken a strong objection to the use of their Trade Mark as a part of the name of the Netflix series."

Netflix had not yet released a statement on the case at the time of publishing. A report in INC 42 said: "Netflix has said it is examining the matter but did not admit to any allegations, as per the plea filed by the company."