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.

Dance’s Literary and Dramatic Aspects: From Yakshagana Ballet to Yaksharanga

The Supreme Court’s Yakshagana decision illustrates how dance’s literary and dramatic elements are protected under Indian copyright law. This post analyses the legal distinctions and offers practical advice for dancers on safeguarding their creative works.

Burn Rate, a gripping and insightful novel by Prof Jon M. Garon

Burn Rate by Prof Jon M Garon is a gripping crime and technology thriller set in Silicon Valley, exploring AI and legal dilemmas. The novel offers insightful commentary on corporate, ethical, and intellectual property issues, making it a recommended read for the IP community.

Green Cracker Patents for an Environment Friendly Diwali

This article reviews green cracker patents and eco friendly innovations for Diwali in India, focusing on legal developments and recent patent filings. It highlights the efforts towards sustainable celebrations and the current status of green firework technologies.

Gandhiji’s views on Exclusivity and Intellectual Property

This post explores Mahatma Gandhi’s views on exclusivity and intellectual property, emphasising his preference for openness and public welfare. It connects his philosophy to modern open source and trusteeship ideas, providing a nuanced analysis of his impact on intellectual property discourse.

Patentability Requirements in India

This post explores the five patentability requirements under Indian law, including subject matter, novelty, inventive step, industrial applicability, and specification. It discusses statutory provisions, key case law, and practical considerations in patent grant and validity assessments.

Patents (Amendment) Rules, 2019 come into effect

The Patents (Amendment) Rules, 2019 expand expedited examination eligibility and remove specific fees for PCT applicants. These changes reflect a structured approach to streamlining patent processes and increasing accessibility for diverse applicant categories.

A Case for Statutory Licensing of Music for Broadcasting

This post evaluates the necessity of statutory licensing of music for broadcasting under Section 31D of the Indian Copyright Act. It argues for a more transparent and accessible licensing model, highlighting the limitations of voluntary licensing and the potential benefits for authors and the public.

It is Fair and Enabling – Data Mining from JNU Depot

The post analyses if data mining from the JNU Depot is covered by fair use or educational exemptions under Indian copyright law. It argues that enabling technologies extracting non-copyrightable facts for research serve the public good and meet fair dealing requirements.

Patent: Stem Cell Patent Debate Never Dies

This post examines the legal and ethical debate over stem cell patents, contrasting recent European developments with the Indian approach. The analysis highlights the lack of statutory restrictions in India and anticipates future judicial scrutiny of embryonic stem cell patents.

Licensing Copyrights in India

This post examines the legal framework governing copyright licensing in India, highlighting the distinctions between assignments and licenses. It outlines key license types issued by the Copyright Board, as provided under the Copyright Act, 1957.