India Copyright Cases
306 decisions indexed
Page 6 of 11 · 306 total
The Chancellor, Masters & Scholars Of University of Oxford v.Rameshwari Photocopy Services
The dispute concerned Rameshwari Photocopy Services copying and binding pages from copyrighted academic publications (Oxford/Cambridge University Press) for students at Delhi School of Economics. The High Court set aside the previous judgment, finding that triable issues of fact existed regarding the scope of permitted photocopying.
Apex Laboratories Limited v.India Pharmaceuticals
Apex Laboratories Limited filed suit against India Pharmaceuticals alleging infringement and passing off concerning its 'ZINCOVIT' product label. The core dispute centered on whether the defendant's 'BICAL' label was a slavish imitation of the plaintiff's registered artistic work. The court found that the labels were absolutely identical, applying the time-honored test for comparison. Consequently, the suit was decreed in favor of Apex Laboratories Limited, granting permanent injunction and damages.
Super Cassettes Industries Pvt Ltd v.Param Hans City Cable Network
The plaintiff, Super Cassettes Industries Pvt Ltd, filed a suit alleging that the defendant, Param Hans City Cable Network, infringed its copyrights by broadcasting copyrighted works (songs and films) without obtaining a license. The court found the unlicensed broadcasts to be an infringement and decreed the suit in favor of the plaintiff.
Super Cassettes Industries Pvt Ltd v.Sbn Network
Super Cassettes Industries Pvt Ltd filed a suit seeking permanent injunction and damages against Sbn Network for infringing its copyrighted works. The plaintiff alleged that the defendant, a ground cable operator, was broadcasting T-Series' films and music without obtaining necessary licenses.
Super Cassettes Industries Pvt Ltd v.Haridwar Cables Network
The plaintiff, Super Cassettes Industries Pvt Ltd, filed a suit alleging that the defendant, Haridwar Cables Network, was infringing its copyrights by broadcasting T-Series' repertoire (sound recordings, films) on its cable network without obtaining a license. The court found the defendant guilty of copyright infringement and decreed the suit in favor of the plaintiff.
Super Cassettes Industries Private Limited v.Fun Cable Network
Super Cassettes Industries Private Limited filed a suit seeking permanent injunction and damages against Fun Cable Network for infringing its extensive repertoire of copyrighted music and films. The plaintiff alleged that the cable operator used T-Series content without obtaining necessary licenses, despite prior communication and legal notices. Given the defendant's failure to enter an appearance or file a written statement, the court proceeded ex parte.
Super Cassettes Industries Private Limited v.Gurgaon Cable Tv Series
Super Cassettes Industries Private Limited filed a suit against Gurgaon Cable TV Series alleging widespread infringement of its vast repertoire of copyrighted music and film content. The plaintiff, one of India's largest music companies, claimed that the defendant cable operator was using T-Series works without obtaining necessary public performance licenses. Despite the defendant failing to appear in court, the Delhi High Court proceeded ex parte. Ultimately, the court decreed the suit in favor of Super Cassettes Industries and awarded damages along with punitive damages.
State (Nct Of Delhi) v.Rajesh Nandwani
The State filed a Revision Petition challenging the Trial Court's order that discharged the respondents in a case concerning copyright violation (FIR No. 69/2009 PS EOW). The core dispute revolved around whether the registered artistic label/packing of the product was still protected by copyright, given its long-term commercial use and industrial manufacturing process.
Super Cassettes Industries Private Limited v.Shekhawati Ab Tak Cable Network
The plaintiff, Super Cassettes Industries Private Limited (T-Series), filed a suit against Shekhawati Ab Tak Cable Network for infringing its copyrights in cinematographic films and sound recordings. The court found that the defendant was broadcasting the plaintiff's copyrighted works without obtaining necessary licenses.
The Indian Performing Right Society Ltd. v.Entertainment Network (India) Ltd.
This case involved disputes arising from a license agreement between The Indian Performing Right Society Ltd. (a Copyright Society) and Entertainment Network (India) Ltd. (an FM radio station operator). The core dispute centered on whether the claimant needed a license to broadcast copyrighted musical works, and subsequent claims regarding royalty payments and refunds. The Bombay High Court reviewed the arbitral award, ultimately setting aside one part of it due to lack of jurisdiction while allowing the petition filed by the Copyright Society.
The Indian Performing Right Society Ltd. v.Entertainment Network (India) Ltd.
This case involved disputes between The Indian Performing Right Society Ltd. (a Copyright Society) and Entertainment Network (India) Ltd. concerning the use of copyrighted musical and literary works on FM radio stations. Both parties challenged an arbitral award dated December 6, 2011, before the Bombay High Court. The core legal battle centered on whether the claims regarding licensing and royalty refunds were arbitrable or required adjudication by a Civil Court. The court ultimately set aside part of the original award concerning the claimant's right to broadcast due to lack of jurisdiction, while dismissing the petitioner's (claimant's) arbitration petition.
Akashaditya Harishchandra Lama v.Ashutosh Gowarikar And 4 Ors
The plaintiff filed a Notice of Motion alleging that his creative work had been plagiarized. The court dismissed the motion, finding that the plaintiff failed to establish a sufficient prima facie case due to an ever-shifting stand on what was infringed. Furthermore, the court criticized the plaintiff's conduct for publicizing the litigation in the media.
Ipeg Inc. v.Kay Bee Engineers
Ipeg Inc. appealed a trial court order that rejected its suit claiming copyright infringement against Kay Bee Engineers. The plaintiffs asserted ownership over the unique artistic drawings of their 'Loader/Receiver' machine, arguing that the defendants copied these works to manufacture similar products. However, the Gujarat High Court dismissed the appeal, upholding the lower court's decision. The court found that the appellants failed to establish a clear and genuine cause of action, particularly regarding the transfer of copyright ownership.
Inception Media LLP v.Star India Pvt. Ltd.
The Plaintiff, Inception Media LLP, filed a Notice of Motion alleging copyright infringement and breach of confidentiality against Star India Pvt. Ltd., claiming ownership over a concept note for a TV serial titled "Ye Tera Ghar Ye Mera Ghar". The Plaintiff asserted that this confidential material was disclosed to Star India, which subsequently produced a similar promotional video. However, the Court dismissed the motion, finding that the Plaintiff failed to establish a prima facie case regarding copyright and confidentiality.
Sap Aktiengesellschaft v.M/S Appsone Consulting India (P) Ltd.
Sap Aktiengesellschaft filed a suit seeking permanent injunction and damages against M/S Appsone Consulting India for infringing its copyrights. The plaintiffs alleged that the defendants were illegally providing training programs using their proprietary SAP ERP software modules without authorization, despite having specific license agreements in place. The court found the defendants liable for unauthorized use and granted the plaintiffs permanent injunction along with punitive damages.
Super Cassettes Industries Ltd. v.Maury Diginet Pvt Ltd
Super Cassettes Industries Ltd. filed a suit seeking permanent injunction and damages against Maury Diginet Pvt Ltd, an MSO operating in Bihar. The plaintiff alleged that the defendant was extensively using its repertoire of copyrighted music and films on its cable network channel without obtaining necessary licenses. Despite repeated notices, the defendant continued the infringement, leading to the court proceeding ex-parte. The Delhi High Court found in favor of the plaintiff, granting punitive damages and costs due to the willful nature of the violation.
Indian Performing Rights Society Ltd. v.Sanjay Dalia & Anr.
The dispute concerned the proper territorial jurisdiction for filing a suit related to copyright infringement. The appellant (IPRS Ltd.) argued that Section 62 of the Copyright Act conferred a right to file a suit where it carries on business, regardless of the cause of action's location. The Supreme Court ultimately held that while a plaintiff can sue where they carry on business, if the cause of action also arises there, they must file in that place, dismissing the appeals.
Sartaj Singh Pannu v.Gurbani Media Pvt Ltd & Anr
Sartaj Singh Pannu filed a petition seeking orders to restrain Gurbani Media Pvt. Ltd. from releasing the film 'Nanak Shah Fakir' without giving him credit as the sole Director. The court examined the service agreement and concluded that, at the present stage without further evidence, it was not possible to conclusively hold that Pannu was the sole director or that he had been coerced into waiving his rights.
Jyoti Kapoor v.Kunal Kohli
The Plaintiffs, claiming to be the author and first owner of the copyright in the original screenplay 'R.S.V.P', filed suit alleging infringement of copyright and breach of confidence against the Defendants for producing a film titled 'Phir Se' using their script without consent. The court found that the Plaintiffs had a strong case and granted an ad-interim injunction to prevent the release of 'Phir Se'.
M/S. K.R.C.D. (I) Pvt. Ltd. v.Commnr. Of Central Excise, Mumbai
The dispute concerned whether the royalty paid for music embedded in master CDs should be included in the assessable value when M/S. K.R.C.D. (I) Pvt. Ltd. manufactured duplicate CDs on a job work basis. The appellant argued that since they only copied the content and did not exploit the intellectual property, no royalty could be charged. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the appellant.
Mr.Veeramani Kannan v.M/s Super Audio (Madras) Private Limited
The singer (plaintiff) sued the music company (defendant) alleging that the defendant commercially exploited and streamed songs from the album 'Shiva Murugan Paamalai' without permission or royalties, violating the performer's rights under Section 38A of the Copyright Act. The defendant argued that the plaintiff had assigned all his performance rights for a lump sum consideration in an agreement dated 15.04.2015.
Beyond Dreams Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. v.Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd.
Plaintiffs, a production house, filed suit alleging that their concept notes and literary works for a TV series titled 'Badki Bahu' were shared with Defendant No.1 under confidence. The Plaintiffs claim that the Defendants subsequently produced a serial, 'Badi Devrani', based on this confidential material and infringed their copyright. The Court granted an ad-interim injunction to protect the Plaintiffs' material.
K.R.Ravi Rathinam v.The Director General of Police, and others (listed as R.1 to R.11)
The appellant claimed his story 'Mullai Vanam 999', which he uploaded to YouTube in 2013, was illegally used and infringed upon in the film 'Lingaa' by respondents 7, 8, 10, and 11. The court initially held that a writ petition was not the proper remedy for such private disputes. However, considering the circumstances, the court directed the seventh respondent to deposit Rs. 10 Crores and allowed the release of the film 'LINGAA' upon initial deposit.
K.R. Ravi Rathinam v.The Director General Of Police and others
The petitioner, K.R. Ravi Rathinam, filed a Writ Petition seeking a detailed inquiry by police authorities into the alleged theft and unauthorized use of his story ('Mullai Vanam 999') in another film ('Linga'). The court dismissed the petition, holding that the dispute was private and that the appropriate remedy for intellectual property claims is through a Civil Suit or Criminal Law proceedings, not under Article 226.
Tech Plus Media Private Ltd v.Jyoti Janda & Ors
Tech Plus Media Private Ltd filed a suit alleging that its former employees infringed upon its copyrights, passing off rights, and trade secrets by copying proprietary IT industry databases. The plaintiff claimed these detailed electronic databases constituted original literary works and confidential information developed over nine years. However, the Delhi High Court ultimately dismissed the suit against the plaintiff, finding that it had failed to plead the material propositions of fact essential for succeeding in an action for copyright infringement.
Radhe Krishna Products - A Partnership Firm v.Parshottambhai Dharamshibhai Lunagriya
This petition challenged a trial court's order rejecting the petitioners' application under Order VII Rule 11 of the CPC, which argued that the respondent's second civil suit was not maintainable. The petitioners claimed that since the respondent had previously restricted their claims to copyright infringement after filing an initial suit alleging both copyright and passing off, they could not file a subsequent suit for similar relief. The High Court ultimately upheld the trial court's decision, finding no fault in the impugned order.
Microsoft Corporation v.Mr. Rajeev Trehan
Microsoft Corporation filed a suit seeking permanent injunction, rendition of accounts, and damages against Mr. Rajeev Trehan and others for the alleged piracy of its software products. The court examined evidence establishing that the defendants were loading Microsoft's copyrighted software onto computers they sold without permission. Given the defendants' failure to appear in court, the plaintiffs successfully made out a case for infringement.
Holland Company Lp & Anr v.S.P. Industries
The plaintiffs filed a suit seeking permanent injunction against the defendant, alleging infringement of their copyright over the industrial drawings and designs of 'Automatic Twist Locks' used by Indian Railways. The defendant contested the claim, arguing that engineering drawings are not artistic works under the Copyright Act and that applying for design registration invalidates any existing copyright.
Tekla Corporation v.Survo Ghosh
The plaintiffs, Tekla Corporation, sued the defendants for unauthorized installation and use of their copyrighted software, Tekla Structures. The defendants raised a defense of 'copyright misuse,' arguing that the plaintiffs' licensing terms were restrictive and anti-competitive. The court rejected this defense, holding that Indian law does not recognize copyright misuse as a valid statutory or equitable defence.
M/S. Jagdamba Impex v.M/S. Tristar Products Private Ltd.
M/S. Jagdamba Impex filed appeals challenging a trial court order that restrained them from manufacturing combs using a specific Teeth Cutting Machine, claiming the machine infringed upon their copyrighted industrial drawings. The plaintiff asserted that the drawings were original artistic works protected under the Copyright Act, 1957. However, the Delhi High Court set aside the injunction, holding that the suit was misconceived because it deliberately ignored the binding provision of Section 15(2) of the Copyright Act, which dictates when copyright is lost through industrial application.
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