Summary: HT Media Ltd took legal action against Pooja Sharma and others for misusing its brand name "SHINE" in web addresses. The court looked into the registration of fake domain names that violate trademarks and lead to financial scams. Justice Prathiba M. Singh gave the decision on December 24, 2025, explaining what Domain Name Registrars (DNRs) and Registry Operators should do, and gave instructions to stop future violations.
HT Media Ltd, a big media company in India, runs a job platform at "www.shine.com." The company found several fake domain names using its "SHINE" brand to trick people by offering bogus jobs and services. The case was heard in the High Court of Delhi, with Justice Prathiba M. Singh in charge. The decision was reserved on May 31, 2025, and announced on December 24, 2025.
The court found four fake domain names that were using the "SHINE" brand to mislead people. These domains were registered by unknown people using fake contact details, making it hard to find them.
Fraudulent Activities: The court discovered that the fake domains were copying HT Media's website, offering fake jobs and services, which led to financial scams.
Registrar Obligations: The court stressed that DNRs must check the details of those registering domains and follow court orders to stop trademark misuse.
Privacy Concerns: The decision talked about the misuse of privacy features by DNRs, which let fake registrants hide who they are.
Transparency in Registration: DNRs should not hide registrant details by default. Privacy protection should be a service people choose to pay extra for.
Disclosure of Information: When asked, DNRs must share registrant details, like names, contact info, and payment details, within 72 hours.
Blocking Fake Domains: Domain names found to be fake should be permanently blocked to stop them from being registered again.
Grievance Officers: DNRs must have Grievance Officers in India to handle complaints and follow legal orders.
Dynamic Injunctions: The court allowed for quick actions to deal with new fake domains that might come up.
The court granted a temporary order against the fake domains, making it clear that misusing the "SHINE" brand is not acceptable. The decision aims to protect brand rights and stop financial scams, making sure that DNRs fulfill their responsibilities in domain name registration and management.
