At B&B Associates LLP, our team of experienced advertising and media lawyers in Chandigarh provides strategic and legally compliant solutions in a sector where creativity meets regulation. We support clients across the advertising, broadcasting, publishing, and digital media landscapes, offering guidance on issues ranging from content disputes and intellectual property to compliance with advertising norms and media licensing regulations.

We represent clients across forums, including regulatory tribunals, the District Courts and Sessions Courts of Chandigarh, the High Court of Punjab and Haryana, and the Supreme Court of India. Our goal is to safeguard our clients’ commercial interests while balancing ethical practices and legal obligations.

Introduction to Advertising and Media Law

Advertising and media law govern how content is created, distributed, promoted, and consumed. This field encompasses intellectual property, consumer rights, broadcasting regulations, content restrictions, and data privacy. The rise of digital platforms and influencer marketing has added layers of complexity, requiring legal foresight across traditional, digital, and hybrid channels.

Businesses today need more than creative freedom; they need legally sound messaging. Whether dealing with brand partnerships, regulatory scrutiny, or public relations risks, compliance with Indian and international media laws is essential.

Scope of Our Practice

Our media law practice covers a comprehensive range of legal services:

• Advertising Law & Compliance: Reviewing ad content for truthfulness, endorsements, and disclaimers under ASCI and legal standards.
• Media Licensing & Distribution Agreements
• IP Rights Protection: Handling copyright, trademark, and moral rights issues in media and advertising campaigns.
• Digital Advertising & Social Media Regulation
• Broadcasting & Film Certification Compliance
• Defamation & Reputation Management
• Influencer Agreements and Brand Collaborations
• Data Privacy & Targeted Advertising Regulations
• Contract Negotiations: Talent agreements, sponsorships, licensing, NDAs. 

The Legal Backbone: Key Legislation

1. Print and Broadcast Media

• Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867
• Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995
• Cinematograph Act, 1952
• Policy Guidelines for FM Radio and TV Broadcasting

These acts regulate publishing, licensing, broadcasting content, and the accountability of media entities.

2. Digital Media & OTT Regulation

• Information Technology Act, 2000
• IT Rules, 2021 (Intermediary Guidelines & Digital Media Ethics Code)

These address online content, platform responsibilities, grievance redressal, and ethical codes for digital publications.

3. Advertising-Specific Guidelines

• Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) Code
• Consumer Protection Act, 2019
• Drugs and Magic Remedies Act, 1954 (for health-related ads) 

4. Intellectual Property

• Copyright Act, 1957
• Trade Marks Act, 1999

These laws govern ownership, licensing, and infringement of creative and brand assets used in media.

5. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Norms

Media entities are also bound by sectoral caps; for instance, news outlets and FM radio have limits on foreign ownership.

Common Media Law Disputes We Handle

• Defamation: Allegations of libel or slander in print, broadcast, or digital channels.
• Copyright Infringement: Unauthorized use of films, music, scripts, or ad concepts.
• Trademark Violation: Copycat branding or unauthorized brand placement.
• Breach of Licensing or Distribution Agreements
• Misleading or False Advertising Claims
• Privacy Breaches: Use of personal data or likeness without consent.
• Content Regulation Violations: Obscene, prohibited, or politically sensitive content. 

Key Compliance Focus Areas in Advertising

• Misleading Ads: Claims must be substantiated to avoid penalties under ASCI or consumer law.
• Influencer Disclosures: Paid partnerships must be disclosed to maintain transparency.
• Decency Standards: Content must comply with censorship laws and community standards.
• Product Restrictions: Sectors like alcohol, tobacco, health supplements, and gambling have special rules.
• Children’s Advertising: Special protections apply to ads targeting or featuring minors. 

Remedies for Media and Advertising Disputes

Depending on the type of legal violation, the following remedies are available:

• Injunctions: to prevent ongoing publication or broadcast.
• Damages: for financial loss, reputational harm, or infringement.
• Content Take-Down Orders: particularly in IP or defamation cases.
• Public Apologies and Retractions
• Monetary Fines & Regulatory Penalties
• Negotiated Settlements and Contract Revisions
• Declaratory Relief: to affirm rights, such as rightful ownership of IP. 

Legal Recourse for Aggrieved Parties

Disputes may be filed before:

• District Courts (civil defamation, contract breaches)
• High Court of Punjab and Haryana (constitutional issues, major IP disputes, PILs)
• Special Tribunals (copyright boards, consumer commissions)
• Supreme Court of India (appeals or national relevance cases) 

We assist clients in determining the most effective forum based on the matter’s nature and urgency.

Finding & Hiring the Right Advertising & Media Lawyer in Chandigarh

Choosing the right legal advisor in media law isn’t just about legal knowledge, it’s about understanding your content, your brand, and your exposure.

Qualities to Look For:

• Proven Track Record in IP and Media Litigation
• Experience with Digital Media and Influencer Contracts
• Deep Understanding of Broadcasting Regulations
• Negotiation Skills for High-Value Content Deals
• Awareness of Global Advertising Trends and Laws 

At B&B Associates LLP, our lawyers are not only versed in traditional law but also keep pace with emerging trends in social media law, digital marketing ethics, and cross-border IP enforcement.

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FAQS ON ADVERTISING & MEDIA LAW