Question

Bollywood name has been granted as a trademark to which US-based Media and Entertainment company by Indian Trademark Registry?

• A. Viacom
• B. Universal Studios
• C. Disney Enterprises
• D. Miramax

Hint:

Think of the US media giant behind Mickey Mouse that drew criticism for trademarking a word used for the whole Hindi film industry.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question checks awareness of a specific intellectual property news item: an American media company registering the word "Bollywood" as a trademark with the Indian Trademark Registry.

Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
Match the four given US entertainment companies against the one that is specifically documented as having secured this trademark right in India, and rule out the others based on their known areas of business.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Of the four options, Viacom is primarily known for cable television brands, Universal Studios for Hollywood film production, and Miramax for independent film distribution, none of which match the specific trademark event being asked about. The company that actually secured trademark rights over "Bollywood" in India was Disney Enterprises, the corporate entertainment and media arm of the Walt Disney Company. This grant meant Disney held exclusive rights to commercially use the term "Bollywood" within India, even though the word is popularly used to describe the entire Hindi film industry, which led to public debate about whether such a generic cultural term should belong to any single foreign company.

Step 4: Final Answer:
The company granted the "Bollywood" trademark by the Indian Trademark Registry is Disney Enterprises, option (C).