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…
Dr. Kalyan Kankanala
290 articles
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.
Supreme 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…
Digital 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…
Numerical 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…
PS2 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.…
Indian 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 eco-friendly vehicle” via…
Offbeat 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 and creativity to…
Only 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 in the business…
Copyright 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 under Order VII…
Madras High Court Upholds Patent Validity in Embio Limited vs. Malladi Drugs & Pharmaceuticals
The Madras High Court affirmed the validity of Malladi Drugs’ patent for chiral beta-amino alcohols, highlighting the invention’s novelty and inventive step. The judgment clarifies key principles on…