Copyrights | Intellepedia

Can You Copyright a Product Photo When Design Is Registered? Madras HC Clarifies

A wooden desk with engineering blueprints and technical drawings spread out. Two printed photographs of a pump assembly lie on the blueprints.

The Madras High Court has clarified that a product photograph can be copyrighted even if the product’s design is registered. The Court held that Section 15(1) of the Copyright Act does not bar copyright in a photograph of a registered design, as the two are distinct forms of intellectual property.

Copyright Ownership in Insolvency: How IP Rights Acquired Through Compromise Prevail Over Legal Heirs

Film studio setup with professional lighting and camera equipment and text stating, 'Copyright ownership in insolvency : unveiling IP rights in dispute'

The Madras High Court confirmed that copyright ownership in insolvency acquired through a court approved compromise takes precedence over claims by legal heirs. The plaintiff was granted a permanent injunction, accounting of profits, and costs, while compensatory damages were denied due to insufficient evidence

Frimline v. K-SMATCO: Delhi HC Rules Firmly in Pharmaceutical Patent Infringement Case

Prescription medicine bottles and tablets placed on a courtroom bench, symbolizing a pharmaceutical patent dispute and legal ruling.

In Frimline v. K-SMATCO, Delhi HC granted interim relief over patent IN 382949, citing strong prima facie infringement of Frimline’s pharmaceutical formulation.

Court Orders Destruction of Counterfeit Tommy Hilfiger Goods

Image of person inspecting watches in a market background, with the texts, 'Original or Fake?' in the left and 'Court Orders Destruction of Counterfeit Tommy Hilfiger Goods' in the right.

The Delhi court granted a permanent injunction against the sale of counterfeit Tommy Hilfiger goods, ordering destruction of seized products. The decision highlights the application of trademark law in protecting brand owners from infringement and counterfeit activities in India.

Delhi HC Orders Takedown of Fake Videos of Journalist Sudhir Chaudhary

Man wearing a white mask sitting at a desk in front of a computer

The Delhi High Court has ordered Meta, Google, and others to promptly remove AI-generated fake videos defaming journalist Sudhir Chaudhary. Recognising the urgent harm, the Court mandated swift takedown and preservation of critical data for investigation.

Court Grants ex-parte Order in Favor of Designer Gaurav Gupta

Fashion design process illustration showing dress pattern sketches, a designer drawing a dress on paper with sewing tools, and outlines of accessories like bags, shoes, and hats.

The Delhi High Court granted a permanent injunction and damages to Gaurav Gupta after finding willful trademark, copyright, and design infringement by the defendant. The judgment reinforces the legal remedies available to fashion designers in India for protecting their intellectual property rights.

Court favors AR Rahman, rejects claims that Dagar Brothers composed Shiva Stuti

Music composer at studio desk with headphones; banner text reads “Court favors AR Rahman, rejects claims Dagar Brothers composed Shiva Stuti.”

The Delhi High Court ruled that the Dagar Brothers were not the authors of Shiva Stuti, setting aside an earlier order and supporting AR Rahman’s appeal. The decision clarifies that authorship and originality are essential for copyright protection in Indian classical music.

AI, Copyrights, and Libraries

Libraries exist to promote access to knowledge, but copyright law regulates and sometimes restricts that access. As artificial intelligence enters the picture, the balance becomes even more complex. AI offers libraries the power to catalogue, preserve, and deliver content faster and more efficiently than ever before, but it also raises questions about training data, ownership of outputs, and potential copyright infringement.

This article explains how Indian copyright law applies to libraries, what exceptions protect them, and why AI can be both an opportunity and a risk. It also sets out practical steps libraries can take — from policy frameworks to risk assessments — to embrace AI responsibly and continue their mission of serving education, research, and culture.

Aishwarya Rai Gets Court Relief Against Deepfakes, Fake Merchandise, and Online Impersonation

In the case of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan vs Aishwaryaworld.Com, the Delhi High Court restrained several websites, online sellers, and digital content creators from misusing the identity of the celebrity through unauthorised merchandise, websites, AI-generated impersonations, and obscene deepfakes.

Actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam Flag Use Allowed as Court Finds No Prima Facie Trademark or Copyright Violation

Illustration of an actor beside a film clapperboard, with the headline ‘Actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam flag use allowed; no prima facie trademark or copyright violation.

In the case of G B Pachaiyappan vs Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, the Madras High Court addressed claims of trade mark infringement, copyright infringement, and passing off against a political party over its use of a flag allegedly similar to one adopted earlier by a social trust. The court declined to grant interim injunctions.