Delhi HC: No Copyright in Mechanical Compilation of Customer Database <\/strong><\/h3>\nIn a recent decision, the Delhi High Court held that that no copyright can exist in an information database which is a mere mechanical compilation. The suit was filed by logistics company\u00a0Navigators Logistics Ltd<\/em>\u00a0against its former employees for using confidential information in carrying out their own business.
\nThe court reiterated that, in accordance with Section 13 of the Copyright Act, a copyrightable work requires the application of some skill or judgment by the author. Section 13(1) of the Act allows the grant of copyright only in original works of certain types, including literary and artistic works, sound recordings and cinematograph films. The Court came to its conclusion based mainly on two factors: first, that the compiled database could not be classified under any category specified in Section 13(1), and second, that the plaintiff had neither specified any human author for the works nor claimed confidentiality of the author\u2019s identity.<\/p>\nINTERNATIONAL COPYRIGHT NEWS UPDATE<\/strong><\/h2>\nArtist\u2019s Estate and Amazon Studios Settle \u2018Suspiria\u2019 Copyright Suit<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe estate of artist Ana Mendieta has reached a settlement with Amazon Studios in a copyright infringement suit over the film \u201cSuspiria\u201d. The estate\u2019s representatives had alleged, in a suit filed last month, that Amazon Studios original production borrows heavily from the late artist\u2019s work. The suit included allegations that some images in the film are derived from Mendieta\u2019s pieces, based on a trailer released in June, and a viewing of the full film in November. The images did not appear in a subsequent trailer, and were removed from the film. The terms of the settlement agreement have not yet been disclosed.<\/p>\n
Tracy Chapman Sues Nicki Minaj for Copyright Infringement<\/strong><\/h3>\nSinger Tracy Chapman has filed a suit against singer Nicki Minaj, for unauthorised use of a sample of Chapman\u2019s 1988 hit, \u201cBaby Can I Hold You\u201d.\u00a0The suit alleges that Nicki Minaj used a sample of the Chapman song in her recent release titled \u201cSorry\u201d. Minaj\u2019s song also features rapper Nas, and it is unclear as to whether he will be subject to legal penalties, even if the court decides in favour of Chapman. It is reported that Chapman refused Minaj\u2019s repeated requests to grant her the rights to sample the song in Chapman\u2019s works. Chapman\u2019s suit claims that Minaj\u2019s song \u201cincorporates the lyrics and vocal melody\u201d of her song, including \u201cits most recognizable and memorable parts.\u201d
\nIn her suit before a California Court, Chapman is seeking damages and is hoping to stop the official release of the song. Minaj released the song in August 2018, but has not included it in her latest album \u201cQueen\u201d. Chapman\u2019s suit also intends to prevent Minaj from \u201ccopying or otherwise using or exploiting\u201d her work. The official \u201cSorry\u201d video on Minaj\u2019s VEVO-owned channel has received a copyright strike on YouTube. Following the filing of the suit, the song is also no longer available on any streaming platforms.<\/p>\n