CCI rejects complaint against Picasso Digital Media

CCI today rejected allegations of unfair business practices made against Picasso Digital Media saying the matter is related to copyright violation and "does not indicate any competition law breach in any manner".
The complaint filed by Picasso Animation alleged that Picasso Digital Media violated the copyright regulations by using its brand name 'Picasso'.
Noting that the dispute pertains to copyright violation of registered title of the informant, Competition Commission of India (CCI) said the allegations do not indicate any competition law breach in any manner.
For this matter, the watchdog considered "market of providing animation related education services in India," as the relevant market.

The regulator noted that there are many other institutions providing online and offline trainings in animation courses, and therefore Picasso Digital Media is not dominant in the relevant market.
"In the absence of dominance of the OP (Picasso Digital Media) in the relevant market, there is no need to look into the allegations regarding abuse of dominance in contravention of the provisions of Section 4 of the (Competition) Act," CCI said.

Section 4 relates to abuse of dominant position.
Noting that the dispute primarily relates to the usage of the brand name 'Picasso', CCI citing available information said "there are a series of litigations between the parties to claim the ownership of the title 'Picasso' at various forums and courts".

"The informant has also admitted that in the capacity of the holder of registered brand name/logo namely 'Picasso', it has filed necessary applications before respective authorities for taking action against the OP under criminal and civil proceedings," it said.