Entertainment — India Copyright Cases
95 decisions indexed
Page 2 of 4 · 95 total
Utv Software Communication Ltd. v.1337X.To and others
The Delhi High Court addressed multiple suits concerning the unauthorized streaming and distribution of copyrighted cinematograph works on various websites. The court found that the defendant-websites were infringing upon the plaintiffs' copyrights.
Achla Sabharwal v.A. Saptrishi Films & Ors.
This appeal challenged an order directing the plaintiff's plaint back to be filed in a competent jurisdiction. The core dispute revolved around the exclusive ownership and jurisdiction rights concerning the film 'BETI No.1'. While the appellant claimed sole copyright ownership based on an agreement, the respondents relied heavily on a clause stipulating that all disputes must be heard exclusively by courts in Mumbai. The Delhi High Court ultimately upheld the trial court's order.
Warner/Chappell Music Limited v.Spotify AB
The Bombay High Court passed an order in a Notice of Motion concerning copyright infringement related to musical works. The court granted leave to the plaintiff and directed the parties regarding financial deposits and future proceedings, while reserving final judgment on statutory licensing issues.
Mr.Babu Xavier v.M/s.Feather Touch Entertainments
Mr. Babu Xavier filed a civil suit against M/s. Feather Touch Entertainments and others seeking financial compensation and permanent injunction regarding the film 'VAA DEAL Tamil'. The court first established its jurisdiction under the Commercial Courts Act, 2015, as the dispute involved intellectual property rights (copyright) related to the cinematograph film. Subsequently, both parties submitted a Joint Memorandum of Compromise, leading the court to pass a summary judgment based on the settlement terms.
Kinjal Lalitbhai Dave v.Red Ribbon Entertainment Private Limited
This appeal challenged an ex parte injunction granted by the Commercial Court regarding copyright infringement of the song "Char Bangadi Wari Gaadi." The appellant argued that the trial court failed to record reasons demonstrating how delaying the injunction would defeat its object, violating Order XXXIX Rule 3 CPC. While the respondent cited the appellant's delay in responding to the notice, the High Court ultimately allowed the appeal, quashing the impugned order and directing the parties to proceed with filing replies, emphasizing that statutory compliance cannot be treated as a mere formality.
Saregama Ltd v.The New Digital Media & Ors.
Saregama Ltd filed a suit alleging copyright infringement against The New Digital Media & Ors. concerning fifteen songs from various films. Saregama claimed absolute ownership of the sound recordings and underlying works based on assignment agreements predating 1994, asserting that they held the rights to digital exploitation. The court examined the validity of these pre-amendment assignments and the scope of the infringement claims. Ultimately, the interim injunction was modified: usage was restricted for three specific films, while the injunction was lifted for eight others, requiring those defendants to account for all revenue generated.
Super Cassettes Industries Private Limited v.HRCN Cable Network
Super Cassettes Industries Private Limited filed a suit against HRCN Cable Network alleging unauthorized use and infringement of its vast repertoire of copyrighted music, sound recordings, and cinematographic films. The plaintiff demonstrated ownership through assignment deeds and copyright certificates, proving that the defendant was illegally broadcasting their content on cable television networks. Consequently, the Delhi High Court decreed the suit, granting permanent injunctions against further infringement and awarding the plaintiff compensation amounting to Rs. 16,20,000/-.
Saregama India Limited v.Whackedout Media Pvt. Ltd.
Saregama India Limited filed a suit alleging copyright infringement against Whackedout Media Pvt. Ltd., claiming ownership over musical and literary works and sound recordings. The core legal dispute revolved around the jurisdiction of the Calcutta High Court, specifically whether its territorial reach was established under Clause 12 of the Letters Patent despite the defendant challenging it based on Section 62(2) of the Copyright Act. The court ultimately dismissed the application to revoke leave, affirming that the averments in the plaint provided sufficient grounds for the court to assume jurisdiction.
Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd v.Sony Pictures Networks India Pvt Ltd
Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd filed a quia timet copyright infringement and passing off action against Sony Pictures Networks India Pvt Ltd, alleging that Sony illegally copied the format and concept of Zee's popular talent hunt show, 'India's Best Dramebaaz'. The court heard the Notice of Motion regarding the dispute.
My Space Inc. v.Super Cassettes Industries Ltd.
This Delhi High Court judgment addressed a dispute between MySpace Inc., an Internet Service Provider, and Super Cassettes Industries Ltd. (SCIL), a major music company, regarding the unauthorized use of copyrighted works on the Myspace platform. SCIL sought permanent injunctions against alleged infringement, while MySpace argued for intermediary protection under relevant IT laws. The court balanced IP rights with freedom of expression, clarifying that safe harbor provisions apply if an intermediary acts upon specific notice.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Saregama India Ltd. v.Alkesh Gupta & Ors.
The petitioners filed for interim relief seeking orders to restrain websites from streaming their copyrighted sound recordings. The respondents argued that personal use is permitted and ISPs should not act as watchdogs. The Court found infringement occurred through commercial exploitation via streaming and directed an injunction against the specified websites.
Super Cassettes Industries v.M/S. Rachana Television Pvt. Ltd.
Super Cassettes Industries filed a suit against M/S. Rachana Television Pvt. Ltd. for the unauthorized use and broadcast of its copyrighted musical works and sound recordings on the defendant's news channel, NTV. The plaintiff alleged that despite initial attempts at amicable resolution, the infringement continued. After the court proceeded ex parte due to the defendant's absence, it found that the plaintiff had successfully proven the facts of infringement.
Adai Mehra Production Pvt. Ltd. v.Mr Sumeet P. Mehra and Mr Puneet P. Mehra
This case before the Bombay High Court involved Adai Mehra Production Pvt. Ltd. challenging an interim order passed by an arbitrator concerning the remake rights of the classic film 'Zanjeer'. The dispute centered on the ownership and licensing of the original film's intellectual property, specifically its copyright in the screenplay. The court ultimately set aside the restrictive interim measures while allowing the petitioner to proceed with the film's production, provided certain financial conditions were met and subject to the final arbitration outcome.
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