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.

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.

Open Science and its Facets – ICCIG 4 at IIM, Ahmedabad

The ICCIG 4 panel at IIM Ahmedabad explored the legal, social, and institutional facets of open science in India. Discussions addressed inclusion, access, and the evolving roles of libraries and policy in fostering a more open scientific community.

Literary Works to Braille – Which Exclusive Right?

This article analyses whether converting literary works to Braille involves reproduction or adaptation rights under Indian copyright law. It provides a structured legal perspective on the relevant copyright exceptions for accessible formats.

Accessibility of Science to Persons with Blindness: Miles and Miles To Go

The article explores the barriers faced by persons with blindness in accessing scientific resources and information in India. It discusses legal developments, institutional challenges, and the need for targeted policies and collaborative initiatives to improve accessibility in science education and research.

Blindness and Accessible Books: From Marrakesh to Marella Gunta Palem

This post explores the progress and challenges of accessible books for blindness in India since the Marrakesh Treaty. Despite legal reforms and initiatives, significant barriers to information access persist for persons with disabilities.