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D.Gowthami Reddy, Partner, M/s.Pentallect Partners

'INDIAN THATHA'- A MONITISABLE IP

  The movie ‘INDIAN’ directed by Director Shankar; released in the year 1996 was a mammoth block buster. Actor Kamal Hassan in the role of the daring & dashing old man or what the fans fondly call as ‘INDIAN THATHA’ out did himself (naturally). The celebrated character ‘INDIAN THATHA’ with the very intriguing costume had also become quite famous. Nevertheless, the potential of the character as a monitisable intellectual property is quite under played by the makers. However, the characters potential has been clearly displayed in the sequel ‘INDIAN 2’ in its grand and pompous song THATHA VARARU. That being said, I wonder whether the authors are contemplating to exploit the character sooner or later. If the character is copyrighted, the protection given under Indian copyright law for an artistic work is author's lifetime plus 60 years after their death. Which means the character/artistic work is awarded protection for nearly 120 years.  In my opinion, I can clearly see a nativ
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D.Gowthami Reddy, Partner, M/s.Pentallect Partners

STORY - 1 AMBIKA APPALAM




STORY -1   AMBIKA APPALAM.

Ambika Appalam  was started by Mr. Ayyappan in  the year1920 in a 850 Sq. feet house in Triplicane in Chennai, India. His Poverty brought him to Chennai from Thrissur Kerala.   Here in Chennai he  started an handmade appalam business for his livelihood.    Gradually his handmade appalam, papads became popular. He got married and involved the whole family in the business.  The product had no brand name for 40 years. 

Mr. Velayudham Ayyappan son came up with the name “Ambica Appalam” for their products in the year 1976. The logo was drawn by a local artist with the tagline "azhagaai Porium”  which means "It fries beautifully". It is the same logo that is being used till today. Brand is a promise to the customer from the business owner; A product will looses its path  without a Trademark or a Brand.  By 1965  they added more products to their list. 

Currently, apart from appalam they are selling  snacks , podis, pickles etc.  Presently, the company is in the hands of the third generation. The brand became so popular that many actors would visit the shop.

R Venkatraman  the eighth President of India in  the Rastrapathi Bhavan Menu wrote "That south Indian food should be served with Ambika Appalam".


What is this man’s IP that contributed to his success?

The business idea of selling appalams; his family’s closely guarded secret recipes they were passed on for generations; the brand and logo which allowed the customers to identify his business and come back to him.

What started as a small business by the father was transformed into a large scale business by his son.  Now, this very business that was started in a small household has become three companies. K V Vyas the grandson of the founder, who is also a director of the company, is the one responsible for taking the products of Ambika Appalams far and wide not just in India but also to the other parts of the world.

If you have such an idea; please do pursue it. It has the ability to take you to heights of fame and wealth.

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