Automotive — India Copyright Cases
6 decisions indexed
Page 1 of 1 · 6 total
Cryogas Equipment Private Limited v.Inox India Limited
This Supreme Court judgment addresses a complex dispute concerning alleged copyright infringement related to proprietary engineering drawings used in manufacturing LNG semi-trailers. The core issue was whether these technical drawings fell under the definition of 'design' under the Designs Act, thereby invalidating the claim for copyright protection. The Supreme Court held that determining this mixed question of law and fact could not be done at a preliminary stage (Order VII Rule 11 CPC). Consequently, the appeals were dismissed, and the Commercial Court was directed to conduct a full trial to comprehensively assess all IP claims.
Inox India Private Limited v.Cryogas Equipment Private Limited
This appeal before the Gujarat High Court challenged the dismissal of a Commercial Trademark Suit, which had been rejected on the grounds that the suit was barred by Section 15(2) of the Copyright Act. The dispute centered on whether proprietary engineering drawings used for commercial vehicles qualified as an artistic work under copyright law and if their protection lapsed after exceeding a production threshold of 50 units. The High Court allowed the appeal, setting aside the dismissal order and directing the Commercial Court to reconsider both the rejection and injunction applications simultaneously.
Mrf Limited. v.Metro Tyres Limited.
Mrf Limited filed a suit alleging that Metro Tyres Limited infringed its copyright by producing a similar advertisement for their tyres. The plaintiff claimed the defendant's ad was a substantial and material copy of their original cinematic work. However, the Delhi High Court found that after applying the R.G. Anand test, the two advertisements were neither substantially nor materially similar in substance or kernel. Consequently, the court dismissed the plaintiff's application for an interim injunction.
Standard Corporation India Ltd. v.Tractors and Farm Equipment Ltd.
The appeal challenged an order that rejected a claim filed by Tractors and Farm Equipment Ltd. against Standard Corporation India Ltd. The suit involved allegations of copyright infringement and passing off related to tractor drawings. The appellant argued the suit was barred because the design had been used more than 50 times without registration under the Designs Act, 1911.
International Tractors Ltd. v.Punjab Tractors Limited
International Tractors Ltd. filed a suit for permanent injunction against Punjab Tractors Limited, alleging infringement of copyright in tractor drawings. The plaintiff sought to amend the plaint to include rights over 20 HP tractors based on a later assignment deed. The court allowed the amendment to avoid multiplicity of litigation.
Saloo Choudhury And Anr. v.Nissan Europe N.V. And Ors.
The plaintiffs, motor enthusiasts, sued Nissan Motors and its agents alleging breach of contract and fraud after the defendants used their photographs and circumnavigation event for promotional purposes without permission. The defendant sought revocation of leave and dismissal of the suit, arguing lack of jurisdiction and that the suit was vexatious.
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