In Nike case, High Court verdict favours cricketer Virat Kohli

Passing a judgment against Nike’s accusation of

breaching of an endorsement deal contract against cricket Virat Kohli, the Karnataka High Court on Tuesday allowed Kohli to sign endorsement deals with any other sports brand he wished to.

Nike India had sent a legal notice to its long-time brand ambassador Virat Kohli for talking to other brands for endorsements, while still in contract with the sports major. The company had alleged that Kohli has breached an endorsement contract deal, which was extended by a year, since Kohli’s five-year endorsement deal was valid until 2013. Before adjourning the case, Judge Huluvadi G Ramesh of the Karnataka High Court directed Kohli to maintain status quo for the next four weeks.

Performing Indian cricketers are always in high demand for endorsement deals. Kohli himself endorses brands such as Nestlé Munch, Cinthol deodorant, Toyota Etios Liva, Flying Machine, Titan Fastrack, Pepsi, Fair and Lovely and TVS Motors among others.