Copyright Law | Intellepedia

Court favors AR Rahman, rejects claims that Dagar Brothers composed Shiva Stuti

Music composer at studio desk with headphones; banner text reads “Court favors AR Rahman, rejects claims Dagar Brothers composed Shiva Stuti.”

The Delhi High Court ruled that the Dagar Brothers were not the authors of Shiva Stuti, setting aside an earlier order and supporting AR Rahman’s appeal. The decision clarifies that authorship and originality are essential for copyright protection in Indian classical music.

AI, Copyrights, and Libraries

Libraries exist to promote access to knowledge, but copyright law regulates and sometimes restricts that access. As artificial intelligence enters the picture, the balance becomes even more complex. AI offers libraries the power to catalogue, preserve, and deliver content faster and more efficiently than ever before, but it also raises questions about training data, ownership of outputs, and potential copyright infringement.

This article explains how Indian copyright law applies to libraries, what exceptions protect them, and why AI can be both an opportunity and a risk. It also sets out practical steps libraries can take — from policy frameworks to risk assessments — to embrace AI responsibly and continue their mission of serving education, research, and culture.

Actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam Flag Use Allowed as Court Finds No Prima Facie Trademark or Copyright Violation

Illustration of an actor beside a film clapperboard, with the headline ‘Actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam flag use allowed; no prima facie trademark or copyright violation.

In the case of G B Pachaiyappan vs Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, the Madras High Court addressed claims of trade mark infringement, copyright infringement, and passing off against a political party over its use of a flag allegedly similar to one adopted earlier by a social trust. The court declined to grant interim injunctions.

When Copyright, AI, and Regulation Interact: Where Does Accessibility Stand?

A friendly blue robot holding a glowing light bulb stands beside the text “When Copyright, AI, and Regulation Interact” written in a bold, stencil-style font on a black background.

In the short time that AI applications and technologies were fully functional, accessibility took a huge step forward by enabling persons with disabilities to create accessible format works. But this seems to be regressing, and unless appropriate steps are taken, the advantage of AI to persons with disabilities may once again be limited to a small percentage of the content being created… Even though the law permits conversion into accessible formats, the tools available to users may no longer support it. This can lead to a situation where a legal right cannot be fully exercised because the available technology, though capable, may no longer facilitate accessible content creation.

Astrology Meets IP – Zodiac Strategies for the Week Ahead (July 5–11)

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.

Where planets, patents, and punchlines collide! This week’s IP horoscope offers startup founders and creators a fun, India-specific guide to safeguarding their innovations—minus the legal jargon or cosmic guarantees. Enjoy practical trademark, patent, and copyright tips for every sign, but remember: this is not legal advice or professional astrological guidance, just an entertaining spin as part of our knowledge sharing series.

Compulsory Music License for Events: Delhi HC Rules Against PPL’s Licensing Practices

Image shows corporate event in a banquet hall, where people are dressed in business attire, having drinks and enjoying music.

In a case between Al Hamd Tradenation and PPL, the Delhi High Court ruled that Al Hamd is entitled to a compulsory license because PPL refused to grant a license for a small event at a reasonable fee. The Court stated that Section 31(1)(a) applies to all works, including sound recordings. It observed that demanding an unreasonably high fee constitutes a refusal to license. The Court will now decide the appropriate royalty and licensing conditions.

Government of India Constitutes Committee on AI and Copyright

Illustration of Government of India's committee members seated at a long table, discussing AI and copyright policy matters.

The DPIIT announced a committee to explore legal and policy challenges at the intersection of AI and copyright. With personnel from the government, academia, and industry, the committee is tasked with reviewing the Copyright Act, 1957, and preparing a detailed working paper.

PS2 Copyright Case: AR Rahman vs Dagar Brothers — Delhi HC Orders Credit, ₹2 Cr Deposit

Illustration of Indian classical musicians playing traditional instruments, with a banner headline about the PS2 copyright case between AR Rahman and Dagar Brothers, highlighting Delhi High Court’s order for credit, ₹2 crore deposit, and ₹2 lakh costs.

In a major copyright case over Ponniyin Selvan 2’s song “Veera Raja Veera,” the Delhi High Court ruled partially in favour of Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar against A.R. Rahman and others, ordering credits to the Junior Dagar Brothers, a ₹2 crore deposit, and ₹2 lakh costs.

Only Copyright Societies Can Issue Licenses: Delhi High Court Strikes a Blow to Music Licensing Practices of PPL, Novex, and Others

Only copyright societies can issue licenses – Delhi High Court decision impacting music licensing by PPL, Novex, and others

In Azure Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. v. Phonographic Performance Ltd., the Court held that Phonographic Performance Limited (“PPL”), though an assignee of copyrights, could not engage...

Kannada Lyricist Hamsalekha Wins Copyright Case Against Saavn

The Karnataka High Court ruled in favour of Hamsalekha, confirming that authors retain moral rights and the ability to seek name credit, even after assigning rights to IPRS. The Court clarified that such disputes are not necessarily commercial in nature under Indian copyright law.