copyright Assignment | Intellepedia

“Will You Marry Me” Twice Not After a Copyright Assignment

In the case of Radhakrishna Productions Pvt. Ltd. v. Ikkon Films Pvt. Ltd. and others, a producer agreed to assign worldwide rights in the film Will You Marry Me in perpetuity. After that assignment, the producer entered into later arrangements for music rights and distribution rights with others. The assignee sued to protect the earlier assignment and stop further exploitation inconsistent with it.

Old Music, New Platforms, No Rights: 1977 Bhikari Bal Odia Music Agreement Limitations

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.

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.

When 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.

Astrology Meets IP – Zodiac Strategies for the Week Ahead (July 13–20, 2025)

Bright yellow background with a dreamcatcher, a lit red candle, and a zodiac wheel chart featuring astrological symbols. The text "Astrology Meets IP – Zodiac Strategies for the Week Ahead" is prominently displayed in a stylish font.

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.

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.

R 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.

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.

Copyright 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.

Conceptualizing 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.