IPRMENTLAW Weekly Highlights (April 21-27, 2025)
Supreme Courtroom Guidelines In opposition to PPL in Music Licensing Dispute with Azure Hospitality
Phonographic Efficiency Restricted (PPL) had issued a stop and desist discover to Azure Hospitality Non-public Restricted for exploiting its copyrighted works and not using a licence. After Azure did not comply, PPL filed a swimsuit looking for a everlasting injunction. The Delhi Excessive Courtroom initially granted an advert interim ex parte injunction, later confirmed by the Single Decide. Azure appealed, arguing that PPL, not being a registered copyright society, couldn’t difficulty licences beneath Part 33(1) of the Copyright Act. The Division Bench dominated in favour of Azure, discovering that PPL, having surrendered its registration and failed re-registration, couldn’t legally license sound recordings. The Courtroom had directed Azure to make funds based mostly on the tariff of Recorded Music Efficiency Restricted (RMPL), a registered copyright society, as an alternative of PPL.
PPL filed a Particular Go away Petition earlier than the Supreme Courtroom in opposition to the Division Bench’s judgment. The Supreme Courtroom issued discover within the SLP and ordered a keep on the route contained in paragraph 27 of the Division Bench’s judgment which has ordered Azure to make funds to PPL. The Courtroom clarified that the keep wouldn’t restore the order earlier given by the Single Decide. The matter stays pending earlier than the Supreme Courtroom.
Case Title: Phonographic Efficiency Restricted v. Azure Hospitality Non-public Restricted
Quotation: SLP No. 10977/2025
Learn our publish right here
You may entry the order right here.
Delhi Excessive Courtroom Orders AR Rahman and Makers of Ponniyin Selvan 2 to Deposit ₹2 Crore in Copyright Dispute
The Delhi Excessive Courtroom has directed music composer AR Rahman and the manufacturing firm Madras Talkies to deposit ₹2 crore in reference to a copyright lawsuit filed by singer Faiyaz Dagar. The case issues the alleged copying of the Junior Dagar Brothers’ classical rendition of “Shiv Stuti”, within the tune Veera Raja Veera from the movie Ponniyin Selvan 2. In an interim order dated April 25, 2025, Justice Prathiba M Singh noticed that from a listener’s perspective, Veera Raja Veera was “not simply impressed however is, in actual fact, similar” to Shiv Stuti.
The Courtroom additional ordered {that a} particular credit score slide acknowledging the contribution of the late Junior Dagar Brothers should be included in all OTT and on-line platforms the place the movie is obtainable. As well as, ₹2 lakh was granted to the household of the Junior Dagar Brothers in recognition of their contribution. The Courtroom held that the impugned tune was not merely based mostly on or impressed by the unique composition however was similar in its fundamental musical construction, with solely adjustments in lyrics and the addition of contemporary parts.
Case Title: Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar v. Mr. A R Rahman
Quotation: CS(COMM) 773/2023 and I.A.21148/2023
You may learn the order right here.
Recognition of Financial Instances, Starbucks, and NDTV, as Effectively-Recognized Emblems
The Mental Property Workplace has recognised Financial Instances as a widely known trademark following an software filed by its holding firm beneath Rule 124 of the Commerce Marks Guidelines, 2017. After reviewing the request and the paperwork submitted, the Registrar of Commerce Marks revealed the popularity within the Commerce Marks Journal. The notification additionally declared Starbucks, and NDTV, as well-known emblems.
Effectively-known emblems are granted a better diploma of authorized safety because of their broad recognition and fame among the many public. The regulation restricts the registration of later emblems the place an earlier trademark is well-known.
You may learn extra about it right here.
Complaints Filed In opposition to Anurag Kashyap Over Alleged Casteist Remarks; Filmmaker Points Apology
Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap is going through backlash over his alleged remarks in opposition to the Brahmin group, made whereas criticising the reported censorship of the upcoming movie Phule, a biopic on social reformer Jyotirao Phule. Following his social media posts, police complaints have been filed in opposition to him.
Amid the controversy, Kashyap issued an apology on Friday night time, clarifying that he was apologising not for his publish however for “that one line taken out of context” and expressing concern over rape and loss of life threats directed at his daughter, household, and colleagues. In his assertion, he stated, “That is my apology, not for my publish, however for that one line taken out of context and the brewing hatred… Brahmins, please spare the ladies — even the scriptures educate this a lot decency, not simply Manusmriti.” Kashyap maintained that he wouldn’t retract his authentic publish however requested that any criticism be directed at him alone.
You may learn extra about it right here.
Madras Excessive Courtroom Concludes Hearings on Problem to Tamil Nadu’s On-line Gaming Regulation
The Madras Excessive Courtroom Bench of Justices S.M. Subramaniam and Ok. Rajasekhar has concluded oral hearings within the case difficult the constitutionality of Tamil Nadu’s gaming regulation regulating on-line actual cash video games (RMG). Senior Counsel showing for on-line rummy platforms, argued that on-line rummy for stakes enjoys constitutional safety beneath Article 19(1)(g) and contended that the state’s five-hour curfew on gaming, necessary Aadhaar verification, and regulatory actions represent arbitrary and disproportionate restrictions. He additionally emphasised that the Union authorities holds unique authority to manage on-line skill-based video games beneath Entry 31 of Listing I of the Structure.
The petitioners have challenged the regulation on three principal grounds: the imposition of a midnight-to-5 AM curfew on gaming actions, the requirement of Aadhaar-based verification, and the alleged jurisdictional overreach by the state. It was argued that on-line gaming regulation falls inside the unique area of the Centre, beneath the Data Know-how Guidelines. The Courtroom has directed the events to submit their closing written arguments by April 28, 2025, and the matter is scheduled for listening to the identical day for recording the submissions.
You may learn extra about it right here.
Delhi Excessive Courtroom Points Discover to Zomato in CCI probe
The Delhi Excessive Courtroom has issued notices to Zomato and the Competitors Fee of India (CCI) in response to the Nationwide Restaurant Affiliation of India’s (NRAI) plea difficult its exclusion from the confidentiality ring within the ongoing antitrust investigation in opposition to the foodtech firm.
The confidentiality ring mechanism, launched in 2022, was meant to offer events entry to confidential data throughout regulatory proceedings whereas safeguarding industrial pursuits. The CCI has dominated that Zomato’s platform and supply charges don’t quantity to an abuse of dominant place, offering aid to the corporate. The NRAI’s authentic criticism had alleged anticompetitive practices by main meals aggregators, together with deep discounting, bundling of providers, excessive commissions, delayed funds, and unilateral contractual phrases.
You may learn extra about it right here.
Comic Manan Desai Secures Sound-Recording Copyright for Signature Catchphrase ‘Jati Rehje’
Baroda-based comic Manan Desai, co-founder of The Comedy Manufacturing facility, has obtained a sound-recording copyright for his iconic catchphrase “Jati Rehje,” marking a primary for an Indian stand-up comedian. The phrase, which means “go away directly” in Gujarati, grew to become extremely in style via Desai’s performances, with audiences celebrating his distinct accent and supply. Involved by others imitating not simply the phrases but in addition his distinctive fashion, Desai took authorized steps to guard the phrase, particularly as he plans to develop its use in future tasks like songs and different content material.
Desai’s authorized advisor confirmed that the copyright safety covers the phrase’s particular tone and magnificence as delivered by Desai. Below this safety, any industrial use of “Jati Rehje” in a way mimicking Desai’s efficiency would require permission or licensing.
You may examine it right here.
Authorities Advisory on Media Protection of Defence Operations
On April 26, 2025, the Ministry of Data and Broadcasting issued an necessary advisory addressed to all media retailers, digital platforms, and social media customers. The advisory emphasizes strict compliance with present legal guidelines whereas reporting on defence operations and security-related actions. It particularly prohibits real-time protection, dwell broadcasting, and dissemination of visuals or “source-based” data concerning defence operations or the motion of safety forces.
The Ministry highlighted that untimely or unregulated reporting can critically compromise operational effectiveness, endanger the lives of personnel, and inadvertently help hostile forces. Citing previous incidents just like the Kargil Battle, the 26/11 Mumbai assaults, and the Kandahar hijacking, the advisory underscores how unrestricted media protection has beforehand had unintended antagonistic impacts on nationwide pursuits.
TV channels had been reminded of their obligations beneath Rule 6(1)(p) of the Cable Tv Networks (Modification) Guidelines, 2021, which strictly prohibits dwell protection of anti-terrorist operations, permitting solely periodic official briefings till operations are concluded. Any violations might result in regulatory motion. In closing, the federal government urged all stakeholders to train vigilance, duty, and sensitivity, stressing that nationwide safety should all the time be prioritized over aggressive reporting.
You may learn the advisory right here.
Delhi Excessive Courtroom Data Settlement Between Mamaearth and HUL in Disparagement Case
The Delhi Excessive Courtroom on Friday formally recorded the settlement between Honasa Client Restricted (Mamaearth’s mother or father firm) and Hindustan Unilever Restricted (HUL), resolving a dispute over disparaging promoting campaigns and social media posts.
The Lakme advert in query, aired on April 12, 2025, accused a sunscreen of misrepresenting its Solar Safety Issue (SPF), claiming it gave solely SPF 20 as an alternative of SPF 50. Honasa challenged these claims, alleging they had been deceptive and will hurt its fame. Following the court docket’s encouragement, each events agreed to take away the contentious adverts and posts. HUL modified its advert content material and warranted no future campaigns would mirror the disparaging nature. Equally, Honasa agreed to take down associated social media posts.
The court docket additional directed {that a} 50% refund of court docket charges be issued to Honasa, as per the Courtroom Charges Act, 1870. The court docket additionally emphasised that neither celebration would difficulty public statements on the case, although they’re free to method the related boards if wanted for enforcement.
You may learn extra about it right here.
