Bandra-Worli sea link to be patented

Soon, using the picture of the Bandra Worli sea link in an advertisement or a film will involve a price.

Anybody using pictures of the iconic bridge for commercial gain will soon have to pay the cash-strapped Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) for it. The MSRDC, which is reeling under a Rs4,000-crore debt, has decided to patent and copyright the image of the sea link and charge those who use it for commercial gain.

The sea link, designed by Dar Consultants, has emerged as one of the few iconic structures built after Independence.

Since its inauguration in 2009, the sea link has been used as the backdrop in films and ad campaigns.

“We have noticed that a lot of people have been using the sea link’s image for commercial gain. We’ve decided to file a patent for the sea link to ensure that we get money every time someone uses the image for financial gain,” said MSRDC vice chairman and managing director, Bipin Shrimali.

The MSRDC is in the process of filing for the patent for the technical and aesthetical aspects of the bridge. Officials said they will also hire a private agency to monitor if the copyright or patent is being violated and take regulatory action against the offenders.

“People are free to use the sea link’s image if it is for personal use. If commercial entities make money by using its image, they should give the MSRDC money for it,” Shrimali said.