On the occasion of Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) 2025, some of the global tech giants showcased AI accessibility tools designed to support persons with blindness. These innovations include Braille notetaking, smart glasses, AI-powered screen readers, and inclusive shopping apps. This post highlights how these tools are enhancing digital access and independence.
Read more about AI Accessibility Tools and Innovations for Persons with Blindness – GAAD 2025Author: Dr. Kalyan Kankanala
Dr. Kalyan Kankanala is a practicing intellectual property (IP) attorney and author. He is a senior partner at BananaIP Counsels, a well-known IP firm based in Bangalore, India. His writings cover a range of topics relating to IP law, business, and policy, and he has authored several books and articles in the field. He has been contributing to this blog since 2007.
The views expressed here are his own and do not represent those of BananaIP Counsels or its members.
Compulsory Music License for Events: Delhi HC Rules Against PPL’s Licensing Practices
In a case between Al Hamd Tradenation and PPL, the Delhi High Court ruled that Al Hamd is entitled to a compulsory license because PPL refused to grant a license for a small event at a reasonable fee. The Court stated that Section 31(1)(a) applies to all works, including sound recordings. It observed that demanding an unreasonably high fee constitutes a refusal to license. The Court will now decide the appropriate royalty and licensing conditions.
Read more about Compulsory Music License for Events: Delhi HC Rules Against PPL’s Licensing PracticesSupreme Court Upholds Free Speech in Wikimedia Case, Sets Aside Takedown Order
In a clear endorsement of constitutional protections in the digital realm, the Supreme Court set aside a Delhi High Court directive requiring removal of Wikipedia content related to a defamation suit. The Court held that such pre-emptive takedown orders, absent a compelling constitutional basis, violate the freedoms guaranteed under Articles 19 and 21, and cannot be sustained within India’s legal framework.
Read more about Supreme Court Upholds Free Speech in Wikimedia Case, Sets Aside Takedown OrderDigital KYC Accessibility and IP Law: Enabling Independent IP Practice for Persons with Disabilities
The Supreme Court’s ruling on Digital KYC Accessibility marks a significant step towards inclusive digital infrastructure for persons with disabilities. The blog examines the judgment’s emphasis on accessibility standards and its broader implications for independent IP practice, particularly in the context of the Indian IP Office’s ongoing accessibility challenges.
Read more about Digital KYC Accessibility and IP Law: Enabling Independent IP Practice for Persons with DisabilitiesNumerical Trademarks and Their Registrability: A Review of the 2929 Case
The Delhi High Court has recently allowed the registration of the numerical mark ‘2929’ for cosmetic products. The Court stated that numerals can function as any other trademarks if they are distinctive. In the case, the Court overturned the decision of the Registrar of Trademarks that rejected the 2929 mark on the ground that numeral marks are not distinctive and therefore, cannot be registered.
Read more about Numerical Trademarks and Their Registrability: A Review of the 2929 CasePS2 Copyright Case: AR Rahman vs Dagar Brothers — Delhi HC Orders Credit, ₹2 Cr Deposit
In a major copyright case over Ponniyin Selvan 2’s song “Veera Raja Veera,” the Delhi High Court ruled partially in favour of Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar against A.R. Rahman and others, ordering credits to the Junior Dagar Brothers, a ₹2 crore deposit, and ₹2 lakh costs.
Read more about PS2 Copyright Case: AR Rahman vs Dagar Brothers — Delhi HC Orders Credit, ₹2 Cr DepositIndian Patent Term Extension Rejected, Section 53 Constitutionally Upheld
Patent Term – Section 53 Challenge The appellants, Gunjan Sinha @ Kanishk Sinha and another, acquired a patent for a “fuel cell system and an...
Read more about Indian Patent Term Extension Rejected, Section 53 Constitutionally UpheldOffbeat and Out of Tune: Copyright’s Missing Rhythm in Indian Music
World IP Day and the Best of IP in Music With WIPO’s call to “Feel the Beat of IP” World IP Day 2025 brings music...
Read more about Offbeat and Out of Tune: Copyright’s Missing Rhythm in Indian MusicOnly Copyright Societies Can Issue Licenses: Delhi High Court Strikes a Blow to Music Licensing Practices of PPL, Novex, and Others
In Azure Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. v. Phonographic Performance Ltd., the Court held that Phonographic Performance Limited (“PPL”), though an assignee of copyrights, could not engage...
Read more about Only Copyright Societies Can Issue Licenses: Delhi High Court Strikes a Blow to Music Licensing Practices of PPL, Novex, and OthersCopyright Vs Design Protection: Supreme Court’s Purely Artistic and Functional Utility Tests
In a recent decision, the Supreme Court in Cryogas Equipment Private Limited v. Inox India Limited affirmed the Gujarat High Court’s decision rejecting an application...
Read more about Copyright Vs Design Protection: Supreme Court’s Purely Artistic and Functional Utility Tests