Copyright
Perspectives on copyright across India and the subcontinent.
15 September 2016
Section 31D and Internet Streaming: The Statutory Licence That Wasn't
A 2016 government memorandum declared that statutory licensing under Section 31D covers internet broadcasting. Three years later the Bombay High Court held it does not — an office memorandum cannot extend a statute, and streaming services must negotiate licences.
9 September 2016
Version Recordings Under Indian Copyright Law
A version recording reinterprets an existing song in a distinct arrangement — legal, but tightly regulated. How Section 52(1)(j) and, later, Section 31C govern cover versions, what Gramophone v. Super Cassette settled, and the stricter 2012 rules.
20 August 2016
Performers' Rights in India: Singers Get Their Royalties
The 2012 amendment gave performers their own rights — including a right to royalties when their performances are used commercially. How the ISRA v. Chapter 25 ruling enforced it against a bar playing recorded music.
Divya Shanmugathas · 19 August 2016
Software and Indian Patent Law: A Good Combination?
Software is protected by copyright, but 'computer programme per se' isn't patentable under Section 3(k). How the 'per se' wording opens the door to 'computer-related inventions', the back-and-forth over the CRI guidelines, and the debate on whether software should be patentable at all.
12 August 2016
The 'Happy Birthday' Copyright Saga: A Lesson in Registering Right
Warner/Chappell collected royalties on 'Happy Birthday' for decades — until a US court found it never owned the lyrics and freed the song to the public domain. Why the case is a lesson in registering copyright with care, and where the burden of proof sits.
Divya Shanmugathas · 4 August 2016
Copyright in India vs France: Which Law Favours the Creator?
France protects the author; India tends to protect whoever funded the work. The difference shows in moral rights (inalienable in France, minimal in India), assignment formalities, first ownership, and term — life plus 70 years in France against life plus 60 in India.
22 July 2016
Why Copyright Registration Matters Even Though It Isn't Mandatory
Copyright vests the moment a work is created — the Berne Convention forbids registration as a condition of protection. But registration is prima facie evidence in an infringement suit, and for production houses skipping it to save costs, a pre-release leak makes that saving look very small.
6 May 2016
Virtual Property and IP Rights: Who Owns the Sword You Bought?
Players invest years and real money in virtual characters, items and land — and have almost no recourse when those are taken. Copyright ownership is contested between player and studio, trademark law reaches virtual goods, and Indian law still has no dedicated answer.
21 March 2016
IP and Blogging: A Blogger's Guide to Staying on the Right Side
'Nobody reads my blog' is no defence to copyright infringement. A practical guide for bloggers — write in your own words, clear or credit images, avoid trademarked names and logos, and lean on originality (and your own photos) to keep your blog IP-friendly.
14 March 2016
Freedom of Panorama: Photographing Public Monuments and Buildings
Can you photograph a public building or sculpture and publish the image without infringing copyright? In India, yes — freely, even commercially. How Section 52 secures 'freedom of panorama', and how other countries differ.
Madhuram Mohan · 9 March 2016
Software Piracy Raids on Startups: Know Your Rights
A call questioning your software licences, or an audit team at your door — anti-piracy raids target startups. What the law actually allows, why you can demand a court order, and how to protect yourself.
7 March 2016
Copyright and Accessibility: The Disability Exceptions in Indian Law
The 2012 amendment ended the 'book famine' in Indian copyright — allowing accessible-format copies for print-disabled persons without the owner's permission. Section 52(1)(zb), Section 31B, and the Marrakesh Treaty explained.