Copyright Law | Intellepedia

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.

Former Employees can use the Diamond Colouring Technology of their Employer, confirms the Gujarat High Court

The Gujarat High Court refused to grant an injunction to Sonani Industries against its former employees for using diamond colouring technology, citing a lack of proprietary confidential information and the expiry of the relevant know-how agreement. The Court also clarified that issues of copyright infringement would be examined during the ongoing trial.

Copyrighted Music in Wedding functions: Court orders deposit for Sangeet and Cocktail Parties

The Delhi High Court ordered a deposit for playing copyrighted music during sangeet and cocktail parties, addressing legal exemptions under Indian copyright law. This post examines the Court’s reasoning and the implications for music use at wedding functions.

Copyrights and Moral Rights over Lyrics, Tablet Strip Trade Dress, & Diabetic Sugar Brand Cases

This post analyses Delhi High Court decisions on lyricist moral rights, trade dress protection for tablet strips, and trademark revocation in the diabetic sugar sector. The cases underscore the legal importance of proper attribution, packaging distinctiveness, and the risks of trade dress copying in India.

Copyrighted Music in Restaurants, Unlicensed Movies, and Storytelling Platforms

This post analyses recent copyright cases in India, covering unlicensed music in restaurants, unauthorized movie broadcasts, and legal boundaries for storytelling platforms. It highlights the necessity of proper licensing and careful risk assessment to avoid copyright liability.