India Copyright Cases
306 decisions indexed
Page 3 of 11 · 306 total
M/S Thind Motion Films Private Limited v.Ishdeep Randhawa and others
The petitioner challenged an ex-parte ad-interim injunction passed by a Civil Judge (Junior Division), Ludhiana, restraining defendants from releasing the film 'Jodi Teri Meri.' The High Court observed that the suit was fundamentally flawed due to jurisdictional error, as claims based on the Copyright Act should have been filed in the District Court. Consequently, the court declined to exercise its jurisdiction under Article 227.
Ms. Aaradhya Bachchan And Anr. v.Bollywood Time & Ors.
Ms. Aaradhya Bachchan filed a civil suit alleging that various parties were circulating misleading videos on YouTube claiming she was critically ill or deceased, often using morphed pictures. The plaintiffs argued this violated her right to privacy and infringed upon the family's intellectual property rights, specifically copyright in their images. The court examined the role of social media intermediaries like Google LLC (YouTube) under the IT Rules, 2021, while setting procedural timelines for the parties to proceed with the infringement claim.
M/S Map Systems v.M/S Informatic Publishing Limited
M/S Map Systems appealed against an interim order passed by the Commercial Court that confirmed an ex-parte temporary injunction against them. The plaintiff, M/S Informatic Publishing Limited, claimed that the defendants had misappropriated its proprietary remote access solution, 'RemotLog,' to create a competing product called 'MapMyAccess.' The Karnataka High Court found that the trial court's order was vague and lacked proper reasoning regarding the grant of injunction. Consequently, the appeal was allowed in part, setting aside the temporary injunction and remitting the matter back to the Trial Court for a fresh hearing.
M/s. Symphony Recording Co. v.Dr.K.Shobana
The appellant (M/s. Symphony Recording Co.) appealed an order that granted interim injunctions to the respondent (Dr. K. Shobana), alleging infringement of her copyright in sound recordings ('Kanda Sashti Kavacham' and 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star'). The core dispute revolved around whether agreements signed by Dr. Shobana while she was a minor were valid, and the rights of the performer under the Copyright Act.
M/S K.W Enterprises v.M/S Karam Industrial Works
M/S K.W Enterprises filed a petition seeking the cancellation of an artistic work registered in favor of M/S Karam Industrial Works under Section 50 of the Copyright Act, 1957. The petitioner argued that the respondent had previously undertaken not to use 'K.I.W.' in relation to cycle parts, which is deceptively similar to K.W. The court observed that this matter was already being disputed in a separate civil suit (CS(COMM) 1035/2016).
Mr.C.S.Padam Chand v.K.Shibu Proprietor Thameem Films and M/s H.R.Pictures
The appeal concerned the appellant's attempt to restrain the release of the movie 'Thugs' due to alleged non-fulfillment of obligations under prior copyright agreements with K.Shibu. The court found that although H.R.Pictures was not a party to the original agreement, an interim injunction could be maintained against its further exploitation (OTT rights) provided K.Shibu furnished adequate security.
P.Periyasamy v.M/S.Jaya Jeya Agro Mills
The plaintiff filed civil suits alleging that the defendants infringed his registered copyright concerning the artistic and literary work detailing a precast concrete chimney. The court addressed multiple suits, ultimately dismissing C.S.No.102/2018 as not pressed for against one defendant, while granting relief in C.S.No.96/2018.
Sri.A.J.Shashank S/O A.N.Jagadish v.Aiplex Software Private Limited
The plaintiff, who runs a YouTube channel uploading film clips from 'Encounter Dayanayak', sued Aiplex Software and others seeking mandatory injunction to withdraw copyright strikes and damages. The defendants argued that they were acting as an authorized antipiracy service provider for M/s Kasturi Media, which held the absolute rights over the movie.
P.Ponnuchamy v.M/s.UTV Motion Pictures
This appeal challenged an order that disallowed the plaintiff from amending his plaint to include claims for royalty and account of profits related to the movie 'Thandavam'. The court dismissed the appeal, finding merit in the respondent's argument regarding the significant delay (nine years) in seeking these amendments. The judgment emphasized that courts must consider all facts and circumstances when exercising discretion on amendment applications.
Delhi Public School Society v.Delhi Public School Pvt Ltd.
The Delhi Public School Society filed petitions seeking the cancellation of a specific copyright registration held by its subsidiary, Delhi Public School Pvt Ltd. The core issue revolved around whether the impugned copyright was an exact replica of the Petitioner's original copyrights and if the Respondent had the right to hold such a registration. The Court found that the rival copyrights were nearly identical and that the Petitioner's rights predated the challenged registration. Furthermore, the court noted a prior decree restraining the Respondent from using similar marks.
Chasvinder Singh v.The Registrar Of Copyrights & Ors
This Delhi High Court order addressed a writ petition filed by Chasvinder Singh against The Registrar of Copyrights. During arguments, respondents raised objections regarding the maintainability of the petition, arguing that the appropriate legal remedy for challenging the copyright grant was through a rectification petition under Section 45 of the Copyright Act, 1957. The court granted time to the petitioner to take further instructions before listing the matter for hearing.
Sweeton Foods Pvt Ltd v.M/S Grv Conferectionery And Foods
Sweeton Foods Pvt Ltd filed a petition seeking the cancellation of a copyright held by M/S Grv Conferectionery And Foods for the label 'KARTIER GOLD 24 CARAT SWISS MILK CHOCO'. This action stemmed from an earlier civil suit regarding trademark infringement. The court found that since the respondent had undertaken in a settlement decree to withdraw and cancel the registration, the petition was allowed.
Entertainment Network (India) Limited v.Https//Tuneincom/Podcasts/Arts--Culture- Podcasts/Bangla-Sunday-Suspense-P2082186/ and Ors
In this copyright infringement case, Entertainment Network (India) Limited sought to protect its audio content, 'Sunday Suspense,' which is based on literary works. The court issued an ex-parte order directing intermediary platforms (like Tuneincom) to immediately take down the infringing URLs and compelling Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to disclose server details used by the infringers. This ruling highlights the proactive role of courts in enforcing IP rights against digital infringement.
Hombale Films Llp v.Thaikkudam Bridge
Hombale Films LLP, the producer of the film 'Kantara', challenged an order passed by the District Court, Kozhikode. The original suit was filed by Thaikkudam Bridge (a musical band) claiming authorship and copyright over the song 'Navarasam'. The lower court had previously restrained respondents from using the music without permission.
Smt Supriya Shrinate v.M/S Mrt Music Ors.
This Commercial Appeal challenged an ex-parte order passed by the trial court, which directed the removal of links and blocking of social media handles belonging to political parties and associated entities. The plaintiff, M/S MRT Music, alleged copyright infringement when videos from a national political party's yatra used music similar to their film soundtrack (KGF Chapter-2). The Karnataka High Court partially allowed the appeal, setting aside the restrictive injunction orders but mandating that all involved parties remove the offending content from social media platforms. The matter was then remitted back to the trial court for fresh consideration.
Sri.Aswin Naidu v.Amaresh K J
The complainant, Sri. Aswin Naidu (representing Elehem Technik Private Limited), filed a private complaint alleging that the accused illegally took confidential information and infringed the copyright of their Electro Chemical Deburring machine (Burrgon 25 V 3) in 2007. The case was tried under Section 63 of the Copyright Act, but the court acquitted the accused.
Paras Ayurvedic Pharma Pvt Ltd v.Salman Iqbal Ahmed Momin And Anr
This commercial appeal involved a dispute over the use of an artistic design on a medicinal oil, 'Roghan Sukoon Massage Oil.' The plaintiff claimed copyright infringement and passing off against the defendant. The core issue revolved around whether the defendant's similar artwork constituted blatant copying and if the plaintiffs had sufficient knowledge to pursue legal action promptly. The Bombay High Court dismissed the appeal, upholding the lower court's decision that the defendant did not infringe upon the plaintiffs' rights.
Neetu Singh v.Telegram Fz Llc
Neetu Singh and K.D. Campus Pvt. Ltd. filed a suit alleging that their copyrighted course materials, lectures, and books were being illegally disseminated through various Telegram channels. Despite initial takedown requests to Telegram Fz Llc, the infringement continued with new channels appearing daily. The plaintiffs subsequently sought discovery of the identity of the operators running these infringing channels. The Delhi High Court addressed this application by directing Telegram to disclose detailed information regarding the devices, IP addresses, and operators responsible for uploading the copyrighted material.
M/S. Navneet Education Ltd. v.M/s. Balsam Publishing House Pvt. Ltd.
Navneet Education Ltd. filed a suit seeking permanent and mandatory injunction and damages against Balsam Publishing House Pvt. Ltd., alleging infringement of copyright in its educational materials, specifically 'GRAFALCO Pre-School Numbers (1 to 100)'. The court examined the similarities between the two books but ultimately found that the content lacked originality and was not a substantial copy.
Star India Pvt Ltd v.Extramovies.Click & Ors.
Star India Pvt Ltd filed suit seeking permanent injunction against various rogue websites, ISPs, and government bodies for the unauthorized hosting and streaming of its film 'Tadap'. The plaintiff claimed exclusive rights over the cinematograph work. Throughout the proceedings, numerous additional infringing URLs were identified and blocking orders were issued by MEITY and DoT. Given that the film's theatrical run had concluded and no defense was raised by the rogue websites, the court confirmed the existing injunction and decreed the suit in favor of Star India.
Csg International Ltd v.Ddit International Taxation Circle 1
The assessee (Csg International Ltd) appealed against an order taxing revenue earned from supplying software as 'royalty'. The core dispute was whether the payment for using copyrighted software constituted a transfer of copyright rights or merely a license to use a copyrighted article. The Tribunal relied on Supreme Court judgments, concluding that non-exclusive licenses do not attract royalty under DTAAs.
T. V. Today Network Limited v.News Laundry Media Private Limited
T. V. Today Network Limited, a major media group operating channels like AajTak and India Today Television, filed a suit seeking relief against News Laundry Media Private Limited for alleged infringement of its content. The plaintiff sought an interim mandatory injunction to prevent further dissemination of allegedly defamatory and infringing material. However, the Delhi High Court dismissed the application, holding that since the plaintiff could be compensated with damages (quantified at Rs. 2 crores), there was no irreparable loss warranting immediate injunctive relief.
M/s.Five Star Films Pvt. Ltd. v.Karthik Subbaraj.G
M/s.Five Star Films Pvt. Ltd filed a suit seeking declaration of ownership over the copyrights of its film 'Jigardhanda', damages, and permanent injunction against Karthik Subbaraj.G for alleged infringement. The parties subsequently executed a Joint Compromise Memo.
Crazy Concepts And Mazes Pvt. Ltd. v.N. Venkta Yayadri Rao
The Gujarat High Court allowed the appeal filed by Crazy Concepts And Mazes Pvt. Ltd., overturning a lower court's rejection of an interim injunction application. The plaintiffs, owners of the 'SCARY HOUSE' trademark and copyright in their dramatic work, successfully argued that the defendant was illegally adapting and reproducing their copyrighted material under a new name ('TERRIFIC DEVIL ZONE'). The Court emphasized that since the defendants failed to deny the allegations of adaptation during pleadings, the injunction should be granted to protect the plaintiffs' reputation and goodwill.
M/S Reflect Sculpt Private Ltd. v.Swati Narula
M/S Reflect Sculpt Private Ltd. successfully obtained an interim injunction from the Delhi High Court against Swati Narula in a copyright infringement suit concerning unique artistic garments. The court recognized the Plaintiff's rights over its distinctive designs and granted permission for a Local Commissioner to conduct a search and seizure operation at the Defendant's premises. This decisive order allows the Plaintiff to gather evidence of alleged counterfeiting, paving the way for further litigation against the infringer.
Mody Pumps Inc v.Sovereign Pumping Solutions Pvt. Ltd.
The plaintiffs filed an interim application alleging that defendants, former employees, colluded to steal copyrighted engineering drawings and confidential data relating to water pumps. The plaintiffs sought a restraining order against the defendants for manufacturing and marketing identical products. The court granted an interim injunction but stayed its operation for one week.
Hulm Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. v.Fantasy Sports Myfab11 Pvt. Ltd.
The Plaintiffs, developers of the Fantasy Sports Mobile Application 'EXCHANGE22', filed a suit alleging that the Defendants operate a competing application named MYFAB11 which infringes upon their copyrighted works. The court granted an interim injunction restraining the Defendants from using or making available the infringing content and directed them to suspend domain name registration and remove the app.
Deepak Singh v.Bunty Raghav (Producer) and others
Deepak Singh filed a petition seeking interim relief against producers (Respondents) who were making a film based on his book, 'Janhit Mein Jaari'. The core dispute revolved around copyright infringement. While the High Court noted that the civil suit was pending before the Trial Court and emphasized the need for evidence regarding similarity between the book and the film, it ultimately directed the parties to proceed with the trial court's application under Order 39 Rule 1 and 2 of C.P.C., ensuring the existing interim relief continued until a final decision.
Attachmate Corporation v.DCIT, International Taxation, Circle-1(1)(1)
The assessee, a US company dealing in software products, challenged the Assessing Officer's order which treated income received from Indian distributors as 'Royalty' chargeable under Article 12 of the India-USA DTAA. The Tribunal held that since no right in copyright was being transferred, the consideration could not be taxed as royalty.
M/s.24 Am Studious Private Limited v.Divya M.Jain
The plaintiff filed a suit seeking perpetual injunction against defendants for releasing the film 'Production No.5 (Colour) – Ayalan' without consent, alleging infringement of Tamil Satellite Television Rights in India. The dispute centered on the validity of the finance agreement where the plaintiff pledged the exclusive copyright to the first defendant.
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