Rao and Sapru Films Pvt. Ltd., a film production company, entered into multiple contracts with Alok Kumar, a singer and music director, in December 2023. These included Music Director, Lyricist, Singer, and Talent Management Agreements for creating ten original songs. The contracts stated that the works were created as \u201ccommissioned works\u201d and described the producer as the first owner of copyright. They also included express assignment clauses transferring all rights to the producer.<\/p>\n
The relationship soured in 2025, when the defendant released the songs online under his own name, claiming 100 percent authorship. He alleged that the producer had delayed release, failed to pay dues, and had taken unfair advantage of him. The plaintiff denied these claims and sued for copyright infringement, seeking an injunction.<\/p>\n
The court examined the agreements and found that they clearly recorded the producer as the first owner of copyright and expressly assigned all rights in the songs to the plaintiff. The court said:<\/p>\n
Based on the aforestated, the court found that the defendant\u2019s conduct in releasing the songs and claiming authorship was inconsistent with the contracts and amounted to infringement.<\/p>\n
The court granted an interim injunction restraining the defendant from publishing, communicating, or monetising the ten songs. It directed removal of the songs from all platforms and required the defendant to deliver all related recordings and materials to the plaintiff.<\/p>\n
Para 15: \u201cPrima facie, there is no question of the Defendant owning any rights in the Suit Works.\u201d<\/p>\n
Para 16: \u201cOnce the Defendant agreed to create the Suit Works under a contract, received consideration, and assigned rights, he cannot assert independent rights without challenging the contract.\u201d<\/p>\n
Para 20: \u201cThe mere fact that the agreements may appear one-sided or disadvantageous does not by itself establish fraud or misrepresentation.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Case Citation<\/h5>\n
Rao and Sapru Films Pvt. Ltd. v. Alok Kumar, Commercial IP Suit No. 618 of 2025, IA No. 6542 of 2025, Bombay High Court, Order dated 5 December 2025.<\/p>\n