Media and Entertainment Law

Indian Copyright News and Updates

This update presents recent Indian and international copyright news, key legal cases, and developments in entertainment law. It covers important court decisions, licensing deals, and provides practical copyright guidance for educational use.

Entertainment Trademark News, International Copyright Updates, Merchandising and more

The post analyses recent entertainment trademark news, copyright cases, and international licensing updates. Key legal developments and practical suggestions are provided for businesses, with a focus on risk mitigation and compliance.

INDIAN TRADEMARK LAW ON PROTECTION OF MOVIE TITLE – PART 3

This post provides a comparative analysis of trademark protection for movie titles in the US and India. It examines USPTO registration criteria and explores how single film titles are treated under both legal frameworks.

INDIAN TRADEMARK LAW ON PROTECTION OF MOVIE TITLE – Part 2

This post examines major Indian legal cases on trademark protection of movie titles, focusing on secondary meaning and distinctiveness as essential criteria. It discusses industry registration practices and landmark High Court decisions impacting the film industry.

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.

Sound Recording, Literary & Musical Works and Right to Royalty

This post discusses leading Indian cases on royalty rights in sound recordings and underlying literary and musical works. It clarifies the legal framework for royalty payments in FM broadcasts and public performances, focusing on the rights of music companies versus lyricists and composers.

Ilayaraja v. S.P. Balasubramanyam

This post analyses the copyright licensing challenges faced by Indian singers, using the Ilayaraja v. S.P. Balasubramanyam dispute as a case study. It objectively examines the legal requirements and practical obstacles in securing performance rights for music in India.

Film Expression and Censorship in India: Intelligent, Informed Spectator standard (Part 5)

This article analyses film censorship in India using the intelligent, informed spectator standard and contemporary social norms. It highlights a structured legal process for assessment, emphasizing that free expression should be the rule and restraint an exception.

Review Committee Reports, Benegal Committee report, Mudgal Committee report, Censorship Model (Part 4)

The post critically examines the recommendations of the Benegal and Mudgal Committees on film certification in India. It highlights the need for reform in the Cinematograph Act, stressing the evolution of entertainment and diminishing impact of films on society.

Film Expression and Censorship in India: Udta Punjab and Lipstick under my Burkah (Part 3)

This post explores landmark cases of film censorship in India, such as Udta Punjab and Lipstick Under My Burkha, and reviews how the CBFC’s decisions were challenged in court. It objectively analyses the legal reasoning and broader implications for freedom of expression in Indian cinema.