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.

Padmavati and Film Censorship: Fiction is Fact; Fact is Fiction!

The Padmavati controversy brings to light complex issues in film censorship and the certification process in India. This post provides a legal perspective on the balance between creative freedom, historical interpretation, and public sentiment.

Why the Name BananaIP? Why Not?

Dr Kalyan Kankanala shares the story behind the distinctive name BananaIP and its significance for the firm’s identity. The post explores the value of creativity and distinctiveness in intellectual property law.

Privacy and Intellectual Property: Are we trying to kill the snake with a log?

This article examines the Supreme Court’s broad interpretation of the right to privacy and its significant effects on intellectual property law in India. It considers how privacy now influences publicity rights, performer’s rights, and digital data, raising critical questions about future legal and commercial practices.

Copyrights and Jokes: Father Went to Church: ha ha ha

This article provides a structured analysis of how Indian copyright law applies to jokes, covering originality, infringement, and fair dealing. It offers practical insights for creators and users regarding the legal limits and protections for jokes.

Lahari v. Ola: Copyrights and Criminals – Licensing by Deterrence

The Lahari v. Ola dispute demonstrates how copyright owners in India may leverage criminal complaints to initiate licensing deals with organized infringers. This approach, as seen in Lahari’s actions against Ola, combines legal enforcement with strategic publicity to strengthen copyright positions.

Creativity, Illegality and Intellectual Property

This article explores how Indian intellectual property laws address the interplay between creativity and illegality. It analyses the limitations set by patent and copyright law, emphasising the role of morality and legality in the protection of creative works.

Practical Pointers on Managing Patents

Effective patent management requires organized systems, cost analysis, and periodic auditing. Customising management strategies to suit organisational resources and jurisdictional requirements ensures robust protection and maintenance of patent portfolios.

Employment to Entrepreneurship: Arnab Goswami, Times Now, Republic TV and Intellectual Property

This article analyses the legal and intellectual property challenges faced by Arnab Goswami after leaving Times Now to establish Republic TV. It highlights key legal risks for employees turned entrepreneurs, focusing on trademarks, copyrights, and contractual obligations.

Fearless Girl v. Charging Bull

This post explores moral rights under Indian copyright law using the Fearless Girl and Charging Bull dispute as a case study. It analyses legal provisions, relevant judgments, and the balance between public and individual interests.

Censoring The Intelligent Film Spectator

This post explores whether film censorship in India remains justified, given the evolution of the film spectator’s intelligence and access to information. It advocates for a shift in the Censor Board’s role, focusing on certification rather than pre-censorship.