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.

AI Accessibility Tools and Innovations for Persons with Blindness – GAAD 2025

The image shows how AI is assisting a person with blindness with AI enabled specs and cane to cross a road.

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.

Compulsory Music License for Events: Delhi HC Rules Against PPL’s Licensing Practices

Image shows corporate event in a banquet hall, where people are dressed in business attire, having drinks and enjoying music.

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.

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 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.

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 standards and its broader implications for independent IP practice, particularly in the context of the Indian IP Office’s ongoing accessibility challenges.

Numerical Trademarks and Their Registrability: A Review of the 2929 Case

A stylized illustration of a black steam locomotive pulling four red cargo wagons. Each wagon is labeled with a large white number: 555, 501, 91, and 2929, respectively, from front to back. The train and its wagons symbolize the addition of "2929" numerical trademark to the existing numerical trademarks registered with the Trademark office.

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.

PS2 Copyright Case: AR Rahman vs Dagar Brothers — Delhi HC Orders Credit, ₹2 Cr Deposit

Illustration of Indian classical musicians playing traditional instruments, with a banner headline about the PS2 copyright case between AR Rahman and Dagar Brothers, highlighting Delhi High Court’s order for credit, ₹2 crore deposit, and ₹2 lakh costs.

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.

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...

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...

Only Copyright Societies Can Issue Licenses: Delhi High Court Strikes a Blow to Music Licensing Practices of PPL, Novex, and Others

Only copyright societies can issue licenses – Delhi High Court decision impacting music licensing by 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...

Copyright Vs Design Protection: Supreme Court’s Purely Artistic and Functional Utility Tests

Digital rendering of a mechanical gear system on a screen, with overlay text: '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...