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 LimitationsTag: copyright Assignment
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 CourtAstrology Meets IP – Zodiac Strategies for the Week Ahead (July 13–20, 2025)
Zodiac meets zero-nonsense legal tips: this IP horoscope arms Indian founders and creatives with sharp, actionable strategies on trademarks, patents, and copyright for the week ahead. No legal or astro advice—just timely, entertaining knowledge sharing for your startup journey.
Read more about Astrology Meets IP – Zodiac Strategies for the Week Ahead (July 13–20, 2025)Renounced Riches, Not Rights! Court upholds Sanyasi’s copyrights
The Delhi High Court held that a sanyasi can own and assign copyright in India, as seen in the case of Srila Prabhupada and the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust. The judgment clarifies that copyright is not automatically relinquished by renunciation, ensuring statutory protection for assigned works.
Read more about Renounced Riches, Not Rights! Court upholds Sanyasi’s copyrightsR Indira Devi has no Copyrights over Guntur Sushendra Sharma’s “My Country My People”, says the Telangana High Court.
The Telangana High Court confirmed that R Indira Devi has no copyrights over Guntur Sushendra Sharma’s works, upholding the rights of Sharma’s son. The ruling provides important guidance on copyright assignments and succession under Indian law.
Read more about R Indira Devi has no Copyrights over Guntur Sushendra Sharma’s “My Country My People”, says the Telangana High Court.Licensing Copyrights in India
This post examines the legal framework governing copyright licensing in India, highlighting the distinctions between assignments and licenses. It outlines key license types issued by the Copyright Board, as provided under the Copyright Act, 1957.
Read more about Licensing Copyrights in IndiaCopyright Assignment & Licenses – Part II
This article discusses critical legal requirements for copyright assignments and licenses in India under Section 19 of the Copyright Act, 1957. It also analyses the 2012 amendments and their impact on the rights of underlying authors in films and sound recordings.
Read more about Copyright Assignment & Licenses – Part IIConceptualizing Copyright Assignments & Licenses Part – I
This post explains the legal concept of copyright assignment in India, focusing on the mechanisms and statutory provisions governing the transfer of rights under the Copyright Act, 1957. It also discusses practical considerations for drafting effective assignment agreements.
Read more about Conceptualizing Copyright Assignments & Licenses Part – ICopyright assignment/licensing issues in movie sequels
This article discusses the legal dispute over copyright assignment and sequel rights in the Sarkar film series. The Bombay High Court held that remake rights were granted to Narendra Hirawat, while sequel rights remained with ZPC, clarifying crucial aspects of film copyright in India.
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