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.

Who’s Intellect? Who’s Property?

This article explores the evolution and application of copyright law in India, focusing on the balance between author and publisher interests. It examines fair use, statutory exemptions, and enforcement challenges, highlighting the need for stronger author protections in the Indian publishing landscape.

Copyright Limitations on Media Freedom

This post explores how copyright law both protects and limits media freedom, with emphasis on Indian and comparative legal perspectives. It analyses fair use, public interest, and key judicial decisions, highlighting the ongoing need for a balanced approach to copyright in the media sector.

Words Are All We Have – Copyrights and Writers (Part 1)

The post analyses copyright protection for writers in India, including ownership, registration, and legal rights under Indian law. Key questions around publishing agreements and enforcement are introduced for future discussion.

Assessing Patent Risks in India

This post examines the essential steps for assessing patent risks in India, focusing on infringement analysis and the tests for equivalence. It also considers the relevance of exemptions and the need for detailed, technology-specific evaluation in patent matters.

Department of IT to Support SMEs in International Patent Protection

The SIP-EIT scheme from the Department of IT supports Indian SMEs and startups with financial assistance for international patent protection in electronics and IT. Eligible applicants can receive reimbursement for patent filing expenses upon meeting the scheme’s criteria.

Anti-Circumvention laws to Protect Digital Rights: An Indian Perspective

This article examines anti-circumvention laws and digital rights management from an Indian perspective, addressing international norms and local challenges. It offers a structured analysis of the legal and practical implications for both users and content owners in India.

Morality and Patentability of Sexual Inventions

The Indian Patent Office often raises morality objections to sexual inventions, particularly in the context of devices and aids. This post analyses such objections, the legal framework under Section 3(b), and the shift towards constitutional morality post the Supreme Court’s 377 judgment. It highlights the need for consistent and rights-based evaluation in patentability decisions.

Intellectual Property and Yoga Massage

The post explores how intellectual property law applies to creative yoga massage techniques, with insights from practitioners and a review of relevant patent filings. It highlights the limited pursuit of patents in this field despite significant innovation.

SALIENT FEATURES OF PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION BILL, 2018 (INDIA) – PART 5

The post provides an analytical overview of the Personal Data Protection Bill 2018, focusing on its data localization rules and broad exemptions to compliance. It highlights the main obligations for data fiduciaries and the significant carve-outs provided under Indian law.

SALIENT FEATURES OF PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION BILL, 2018 (INDIA) – PART 3

This post analyses the transparency and accountability obligations under the Personal Data Protection Bill 2018. It covers compliance duties for data fiduciaries, security safeguards, and grievance redressal mechanisms in India.