Author: 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.

Are Rajinikanth’s Methods Patentable?

This post analyses whether Rajinikanth’s unique methods could be patented under Indian law. It discusses process patentability, statutory exclusions, and the mental steps doctrine in an objective, legal-academic manner.

Reasonable Measures for Secrecy

Reasonable measures are crucial for trade secret protection under Indian law. This post objectively analyses legal requirements, including confidentiality agreements, security protocols, and the role of industry norms. Reliance on practices alone is cautioned against.

Intermediaries, Marketplaces and Take Down Actions

This post examines the challenges of intermediary liability and takedown actions in India, focusing on copyright enforcement in online marketplaces. It provides a legal and practical perspective on the effectiveness and pitfalls of the takedown process.

Extracting IP Value

Intellectual property protection alone is no longer sufficient for Indian companies seeking competitive advantage. This analysis explores strategic IP management, including audits and commercialization, to maximize IP value. A comprehensive approach aligning with business goals is recommended.

Salient Features of the Indian Bayh Dole Act

The Indian Bayh Dole Act proposes a comprehensive framework for managing public funded intellectual property in research institutions. It aims to incentivise innovation, clarify IP ownership, and establish robust compliance mechanisms for government-funded research.

Patent Risks in Open Source – Lesson’s from Google’s Story

The Bedrock Technologies case against Google demonstrates the tangible patent risks present in open source software usage. This decision underscores the necessity for companies to conduct thorough patent due diligence and adopt risk mitigation strategies.

Kindle eBooks and Amazon Marketplace – The Non-Compliance Continues

This article analyses Kindle eBooks and Amazon Marketplace in India, focusing on issues of copyright and FDI policy compliance. It highlights how Amazon’s exclusive practices may violate Indian regulatory frameworks, creating challenges for market competition and new entrants.

The Wind from the West: Playwright Ananda Rao’s Padamati Gali

Ananda Rao’s Padamati Gali is a powerful Telugu play examining the plight of Indian farmers in the face of land acquisition and socio-economic challenges. The narrative provides a nuanced portrayal of rural resistance, making it a significant contribution to modern Indian theatre.

Prior Art Search and Drafting Patents

This article explores the importance of prior art search and drafting in the Indian patent process. It objectively evaluates both the benefits and drawbacks, highlighting the strategic role of prior art searches in patent filings.

War Over Patent Ownership – Stanford v. Roche

The Stanford v Roche case before the US Supreme Court addresses complex questions of patent ownership under the Bayh-Dole Act. This dispute underscores the ongoing challenges universities face in managing intellectual property developed with federal funding.