In a dispute concerning copyright in Odia devotional music, the Calcutta High Court declined interim protection to the petitioner who claimed exclusive rights in the song “Sathi Pauti Bhoga” through agreements with Bhikari Bal and Radhanath Das. The court held that the agreements were of limited duration, royalty obligations were not fulfilled, and allegations of forgery raised serious questions of fact.
Read more about Old Music, New Platforms, No Rights: 1977 Bhikari Bal Odia Music Agreement LimitationsCategory: Copyrights
Music Copyright Dispute Over Sagara Sangamam, and Shankarabharanam: Infringement Remedy Survives Even if Declaration Is Time-Barred
The Madras High Court looked at a copyright ownership dispute over the music of Salangai Oli, Sagara Sangamam, and Shankarabharanam, where both parties claimed rights through assignments from the original producers. The court held that while the claim for a declaration of ownership was time-barred, the plaintiff could still pursue the case for infringement and ask for a permanent injunction to prevent infringement of asserted rights.
Read more about Music Copyright Dispute Over Sagara Sangamam, and Shankarabharanam: Infringement Remedy Survives Even if Declaration Is Time-BarredWhen Authors Sign Away Rights: Producer–Author Copyright Contracts Tested in Bombay High Court
In the case of Rao and Sapru Films Pvt. Ltd. v. Alok Kumar, the Bombay High Court analysed a contractual dispute between a producer and a music director–singer over rights in ten songs. The court held that the producer, who had paid consideration and obtained signed assignments, was the copyright holder, and the author could not assert rights after the fact without setting aside the agreements.
Read more about When Authors Sign Away Rights: Producer–Author Copyright Contracts Tested in Bombay High CourtUse of copyright works for AI in India: One Nation One License One Payment
The DPIIT consultation paper ‘One Nation One License One Payment’ proposes a hybrid blanket licence–royalty framework for AI training on copyrighted works in India. This post sets out the proposed mechanism, key stakeholder positions and the timeline for filing comments with DPIIT.
Read more about Use of copyright works for AI in India: One Nation One License One PaymentMadras HC Awards ₹20 Lakhs Compensation in Amma Memorial Digital Project Dispute
The Madras High Court resolved the Amma Memorial Digital Project dispute by awarding reasonable compensation for partial software development and concept creation. The judgement clarified copyright ownership, absence of profit-sharing rights, and the basis for determining damages in software-related project collaborations.
Read more about Madras HC Awards ₹20 Lakhs Compensation in Amma Memorial Digital Project DisputeIlaiyaraja Cannot License Naguva Nayana, Delhi HC Says Producer Owns Copyright
In the case of Saregama India Limited vs Black Madras Films & Ors, the Delhi High Court upheld the copyright ownership of the plaintiff over the song Naguva Nayana, rejecting composer Ilaiyaraja’s authority to license it. The Court said the defendants could release their film only after depositing a licence fee, if they continued to use the song.
Read more about Ilaiyaraja Cannot License Naguva Nayana, Delhi HC Says Producer Owns CopyrightFilm Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy Fails Copyright Test: Title, Script, and Ads Not Infringing
In the case of Everest Entertainment LLP vs. Mahesh Vaman Manjrekar, the Bombay High Court considered whether copyright subsists in the title Me Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy, and whether the defendants infringed the script or promotional content of the film. The Court found no substantial reproduction of the script or advertisements, and held that copyright protection does not extend to the film’s title.
Read more about Film Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy Fails Copyright Test: Title, Script, and Ads Not InfringingPremji Invest Secures Dynamic Injunction against Fraudsters
The Delhi High Court granted Premji Invest a dynamic injunction to counteract ongoing impersonation and intellectual property fraud. The order allows real-time blocking of deceptive websites and apps, ensuring robust protection for both the business and the public.
Read more about Premji Invest Secures Dynamic Injunction against FraudstersCan You Copyright a Product Photo When Design Is Registered? Madras HC Clarifies
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.
Read more about Can You Copyright a Product Photo When Design Is Registered? Madras HC ClarifiesCopyright Ownership in Insolvency: How IP Rights Acquired Through Compromise Prevail Over Legal Heirs
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
Read more about Copyright Ownership in Insolvency: How IP Rights Acquired Through Compromise Prevail Over Legal Heirs