Copyright Infringement | Intellepedia

MS Subbulakshmi Biopic: Who Owns the Copyright over the Script?

A dignified elderly South Indian singer lady in a traditional silk saree and garland, holding a musical instruments, stands center stage with a composed expression. The background features festive lights and garlands, with gold line-art illustrations of a book, pen and idea being expressed through writing on one side and a film crew overlaying the scene on another side.

In a case between Rajiv Menon and Dr. M.P. Somaprasad, the Karnataka High Court was asked to decide who owned the copyright over the script “MS and Bala” for a biopic on M.S. Subbulakshmi. The Court held that the script was an original work of the defendant and not based on the plaintiff’s book.

Offbeat and Out of Tune: Copyright’s Missing Rhythm in Indian Music

World IP Day and the Best of IP in Music With WIPO’s call to “Feel the Beat of IP” World IP Day 2025 brings music...

Thomson Reuters vs ROSS Intelligence : Does training AI models amount to fair use?

The US District Court for Delaware ruled in favor of Thomson Reuters, finding that ROSS Intelligence infringed Westlaw’s copyrights by using its headnotes and editorial content for AI training. The Court rejected ROSS’s fair use defense, emphasizing market harm and the need for AI developers to license copyrighted materials. While granting partial summary judgment to Thomson Reuters, the Court left certain copyright expiration claims for jury determination. This decision reinforces copyright protections in legal research and sets a precedent for AI-related copyright disputes.

Counterfeit books sold on Amazon, Allahabad Law Agency obtains injunction

In Allahabad Law Agency v. Amazon Seller Services Pvt. Ltd. & Ors., the Delhi High Court granted a permanent injunction against online sellers distributing counterfeit copies of Law of Torts by Dr. R.K. Bangia. The Court found copyright and trademark infringement but declined to award damages, granting nominal costs of Rs. 15,000 to the Plaintiff.

Dhanush v. Nayanthara: Netflix denied an exit pass in copyright violation case

The Madras High Court ruled in favor of Wunderbar Films in its copyright dispute with Netflix over the unauthorized use of behind-the-scenes footage. Netflix’s applications challenging jurisdiction and seeking rejection of the plaint were dismissed. The Court held that territorial jurisdiction was valid, pre-suit mediation was not mandatory due to urgency, and combining statutory and common law remedies was permissible.

“ACTIV” Trademark watch by CASTROL leads to win against deceptively similar mark

The Delhi High Court granted Castrol Limited a permanent injunction and damages for trademark and copyright infringement against defendants marketing deceptively similar lubricants. The judgment highlights the significance of protecting established trademarks and the legal remedies available in Indian courts.

Telugu Actor Manchu Vishnu gets a John Doe Order to prevent misuse of his Name, voice and Likeness

The Delhi High Court has issued an interim John Doe order in favour of Telugu actor Manchu Vishnu to prevent unauthorised use of his name, voice, and likeness by content creators. This case highlights judicial protection of personality and publicity rights under Indian law.

Copyright Disputes in Partnerships are Arbitrable

The Madras High Court has clarified that copyright disputes arising within partnerships, particularly as matters of misuse of partnership assets, are arbitrable. This case demonstrates the enforceability of arbitration clauses in partnership deeds for resolving such disputes under Indian law.

Copying of Artistic Architectural Works in Brochure for Advertising Restrained

The Delhi High Court has restrained the use of copyrighted artistic architectural works in a real estate advertising dispute. The court’s interim injunction addresses copyright infringement, passing off, and unfair trade practices, pending further proceedings.

Use of e-Rickshaw Trademark ‘Yatri’ by Competitor Restrained

The Delhi High Court has issued an injunction restraining the use of the “YATRI” trademark and images by a competitor in the e-rickshaw industry. The decision addresses concerns of trademark infringement and consumer confusion, with further hearings set for January 2025.