In a move to protect the intellectual property of the popular Tirupati Laddu, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), an autonomous body managing the affairs of India’s richest temple, has initiated legal proceedings against several entities for misusing the name for commercial gain. Legal notices have been issued to online vendors, including PushMyCart and Transact Foods, for the unauthorised use of the Tirupati Laddu Geographical Indication tag. The temple board said that the unauthorised use of the branding not only constitutes a legal infringement but also compromises the spiritual sanctity of the offering.
The notices pertain to violations under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, under which Tirupati Laddu is a protected Geographical Indication (GI). These entities have been accused of unauthorised use of the “Tirupati Laddu” name and of misrepresenting their offerings as being associated with the Tirumala temple.
“The Tirupati Laddu is not just a product, but a sacred prasadam with deep spiritual and cultural value. We are committed to taking all necessary legal steps to prevent its misuse and to protect the trust of crores of devotees worldwide,” the TTD Executive Officer J Syamala Rao said in a statement.
The legal notice read: “Unauthorised use of the registered GI, coupled with the false association created through your product description and social media content reflects a calculated and dishonest intent to infringe upon TTD’s rights over the Tirupati Laddu”.
Also read: Gwalior trader booked in Tirupati laddu adulteration case
The sale of prasadam for commercial purposes by any third party is “illegal”, the notice pointed out. “The preparation of the laddu is done exclusively within the Tirumala temple under the supervision of TTD, following a time-honoured and sanctified process.
Responding to the notice, PushMyCart has taken down the infringing product listings pending legal review. Several other vendors have similarly removed listings after TTD’s action.
This is among the first instances in India where a temple offering protected under GI law has been defended through formal legal channels on international platforms. "We will continue to monitor and act against any such violations to preserve the authenticity and sanctity of temple traditions,” Syamala Rao said.
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