P.Periyasamy v. M/S.Jaya Jeya Agro Mills

Every founder believes their original work deserves protection, but what happens when that work is a technical drawing rather than a song, book, or painting? The dispute between P. Periyasamy and M/s. Jaya Jeya Agro Mills pulls back the curtain on a fascinating question: can a precast concrete chimney design qualify as an artistic and literary work worthy of copyright protection? This case matters because it reminds business owners that intellectual property isn't just for creative artists, it extends into the very blueprints that shape our built environment.

P. Periyasamy, the plaintiff, held a registered copyright over what he described as an artistic and literary work detailing a precast concrete chimney. Believing that the defendants had infringed upon this registered copyright, Periyasamy filed civil suits to protect his rights. The defendants in this matter included M/s. Jaya Jeya Agro Mills, against whom the plaintiff pursued multiple legal actions. The dispute centered on whether the plaintiff's registered copyright had been violated through unauthorized use or reproduction of his chimney design work.

The plaintiff, P. Periyasamy, argued that his registered copyright covered both the artistic and literary elements of his precast concrete chimney design, and that the defendants had infringed upon this protected work. He pursued multiple civil suits to enforce his rights and seek remedies. The defendants, including M/s. Jaya Jeya Agro Mills, contested the claims. The legal friction centered on whether the plaintiff's work qualified for copyright protection and whether the defendants had indeed crossed the line into infringement. The court had to navigate between two civil suits, weighing the evidence and arguments presented by both sides.

The court addressed multiple suits in its ruling on 3 March 2023. In C.S.No.102/2018, the suit was dismissed as not pressed against one of the defendants, meaning the plaintiff did not pursue that particular action to its conclusion. However, in C.S.No.96/2018, the court granted relief to the plaintiff, recognizing that copyright protection does extend to artistic and literary works, including constructional drawings like the precast concrete chimney design at issue. The court acknowledged that remedies such as injunctions and damages are available when registered copyright in such works is infringed. The overall outcome tilted in favor of the defendants, with one suit dismissed, though partial relief was granted in the other matter.

For founders and IP professionals, this case delivers a clear message: copyright protection is not limited to traditional creative works like novels or paintings, it extends to technical and constructional drawings that possess both artistic and literary elements. If your business involves original designs, blueprints, or technical illustrations, registering your copyright is a critical step. Equally important is being prepared to enforce those rights through injunctions and damages when infringement occurs. Don't assume that because your work is technical rather than artistic, it falls outside the scope of copyright law. Protect your original creations early, document them thoroughly, and be ready to act decisively when someone copies your work without authorization.