Delhi HC orders blocking of piracy websites streaming Stranger Things, Friends, etc.
The Delhi High Court, granting a “Dynamic+” injunction in a copyright infringement suit by major global entertainment companies including Netflix, Warner Bros., Apple, Disney and Crunchyroll, has ordered the blocking of numerous piracy websites found to be illegally hosting and streaming popular films and TV series such as Stranger Things, Friends, Batman, The Squid Game and The Jungle Book. Justice Tejas Karia directed domain registrars to lock and suspend the infringing sites and Internet Service Providers to block access within 72 hours, and allowed rights holders to include mirror, redirect or alphanumeric versions of such sites to curb ongoing and imminent piracy, noting the need to prevent significant financial loss to the copyright owners.
Read order here.
Bombay High Court Restrains Restaurants from Playing PPL-Owned Songs Without Licence
The Bombay High Court, in an interim order, has restrained two restaurant chains operating about 94 outlets from publicly playing music from Phonographic Performance Limited’s (PPL) repertoire without obtaining a proper licence, after finding a prima facie case of copyright infringement and noting that unauthorised use would cause loss to PPL. The court held that the defendants failed to demonstrate legal entitlement to broadcast the copyrighted sound recordings and that PPL, as the owner and exclusive licensee, is entitled to seek relief; accordingly, the restaurants are barred from using or communicating these sound recordings without a licence pending the suit’s disposal.
Read order here.
Delhi High Court Clarifies No Licence Required for Public-Domain Sound Recordings; Disposes Bignet–Novex Dispute
The Delhi High Court, in Bignet Solutions LLP v. Novex Communications Pvt. Ltd., clarified that sound recordings published prior to 1965 and whose copyright term has expired fall in the public domain and do not require any licence for use, while recording Novex’s categorical stand that it neither claims nor enforces rights over such works. By its interim order dated 10 October 2025, the Court permitted Bignet to proceed with its event subject to playing only the identified pre-1965 recordings, and by its final order dated 21 November 2025, accepted compliance, held that the cause of action stood satisfied, declined damages and refund of court fees, and disposed of the suit while expressly leaving open any broader allegations of misrepresentation or unlawful interference.
Read orders here and here.
Broadcasters surrender TV licences amid digital shift
Several broadcasters, including JioStar and Zee entities, have surrendered television licences over the past few years as audiences increasingly migrate to OTT and digital platforms. The trend reflects falling linear TV viewership, rising distribution costs, and reduced advertising revenues, signalling a structural shift in India’s broadcast ecosystem and prompting legacy players to recalibrate their digital strategies.
IT Ministry seeks action report from X on indecent content
The IT Ministry has issued a letter to X (formerly ‘Twitter’), seeking an action-taken report on complaints relating to indecent and harmful content on the platform. The move highlights increased regulatory scrutiny under India’s IT framework and reinforces expectations around prompt takedown, grievance redressal, and platform accountability, particularly in relation to user safety.
Netflix releases Satyam scam episode after stay vacated by Court
Following the vacation of an interim stay by the Hyderabad court, Netflix has released the ‘Bad Boy Billionaires’ episode covering the Satyam scam. The development revives discussion on the balance between creative freedom and reputational rights, especially in docu-dramas based on real corporate frauds and ongoing sensitivities surrounding legacy financial scandals.
Calcutta High Court Restrains New Year’s Eve Event at Hotel for Copyright Infringement; Licence from IPRS Mandated
The Calcutta High Court granted an interim injunction in favour of the Indian Performing Right Society Limited (IPRS), restraining Chocolate Hotels Private Limited from hosting its proposed New Year’s Eve 2025 event involving live music and DJ performances without obtaining a valid licence. The Court held that, under Sections 13, 14 and 51 of the Copyright Act, 1957, the hotel was statutorily obliged to secure a licence from IPRS for public performance or communication of musical and literary works from its repertoire, including background music, DJ tracks and live performances. Noting the respondent’s failure to respond to prior licence demands and the urgency of the impending event, the Court found a strong prima facie case, balance of convenience and irreparable injury in favour of IPRS, while clarifying that the restraint would automatically stand vacated if the respondent obtained the requisite licence in accordance with law. Read order here.
Delhi High Court restrains manufacturer from infringing Britannia’s Little Hearts mark
The Delhi High Court granted an ad-interim injunction in favour of Britannia Industries Ltd, restraining a manufacturer from using the Little Hearts trademark and a similar heart-shaped biscuit design. The Court noted the presence of triple identity: similar mark, identical product, and overlapping trade channels, and held that such use was likely to cause consumer confusion and dilute the goodwill associated with Britannia’s well-known brand. The order also directed the removal of infringing listings from e-commerce platforms, reinforcing judicial support for brand and shape-mark protection.
Delhi High Court upholds trademark rights over LARK, clarifies scope of genuine use in technology-linked services
The Delhi High Court dismissed a trademark rectification plea filed by a China-based technology company seeking removal of the “LARK” mark registered by Lark Engineering Company (India) Pvt. Ltd. in relation to software and technology-linked services. The petition argued that the respondent, primarily a manufacturer of industrial machinery, had no bona fide use of the mark for software services and that its registration was vulnerable to cancellation under Sections 47 and 57 of the Trade Marks Act, 1999. The Court held that the respondent had demonstrated genuine, continuous use of the “LARK” mark in commercial trade as part of integrated hardware-software offerings, and that such use must be assessed in light of modern industrial practice rather than narrow technical classifications. By upholding the trademark registration, the judgment reinforces that bona fide trademark use can extend to allied and integrally connected services, and that rectification cannot be based on artificial compartmentalisation of business activities.
Delhi High Court restrains 18 entities from infringing Akasa Air trademarks
The Delhi High Court granted an interim injunction in favour of Akasa Air (operated by SNV Aviation) against an aviation institute and 17 other entities for allegedly misusing the airline’s registered trademarks to perpetrate fraudulent recruitment schemes. The court found a prima facie case of trademark infringement, misrepresentation and passing off after defendants were accused of contacting job seekers via phone and email, falsely claiming to offer employment on behalf of Akasa Air and demanding “process fees”. To prevent further deception and brand damage, the order restrains the 18 entities from using the marks “AKASA,” “AKASA AIR” or deceptively similar variations in any form and directs protective measures including blocking infringing domain names, disclosure of KYC details, and suspension of associated mobile numbers and payment IDs. The matter is next listed for hearing in May 2026.
Disney to pay $10 million over alleged children’s privacy violations
The Walt Disney Company has agreed to pay a $10 million civil penalty to resolve U.S. government allegations that it violated children’s privacy laws by failing to properly label certain YouTube videos as “Made for Kids,” as required under the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). Authorities contend that misclassified videos allowed the collection of personal data from children under 13 without verifiable parental consent, enabling targeted advertising and data tracking on content aimed at young viewers. As part of the settlement, Disney must implement a compliance programme to ensure accurate audience designation and adherence to COPPA going forward, underscoring heightened regulatory scrutiny of major entertainment companies and online child safety obligations.
Delhi HC orders removal of BSM trademark from register over prior use and bad faith
The Delhi High Court allowed a rectification petition under Section 57 of the Trade Marks Act, 1999 and directed the removal of the registered “BSM” trademark from the Trade Marks Register, holding that the mark was obtained in bad faith and that the petitioner’s prior use rights prevailed over the later registration. The Court found that the respondent adopted the mark in a manner suggesting an intention to ride on the goodwill of the petitioner’s earlier use, and that such dishonest adoption undermined the integrity of the trademark register. The judgment reinforces the principle that trademark registrations obtained without genuine intention to use, or with deceptive motives, are liable to be cancelled, particularly where a prior user can demonstrate earlier bona fide use of the mark in trade.
Delhi HC awards ₹10 lakh damages for trademark and copyright infringement
The Delhi High Court upheld a commercial suit filed by U.S. Green Building Council against Deming Certification Services Private Limited, finding that the defendant had infringed the plaintiff’s registered trademarks (including “USGBC”), copied substantial website content, and engaged in passing off and dilatory conduct. The Court permanently restrained the defendant from using the impugned marks “International Green Building Council,” “IGBC” or deceptively similar logos and ordered payment of ₹10 lakh as exemplary damages in light of the defendant’s failure to file a proper written statement and repeated non-compliance with court directions. The judgment underscores judicial vigilance against deceptive trade practices and protection of established international marks in India’s certification services sector.
Delhi HC restrains trademark copying in “activepushpa” vs “hempushpa” dispute
The Delhi High Court granted an interim injunction in a trademark infringement suit filed by ActivePushpa against Hempushpa, finding a likelihood of confusion between the marks in relation to similar goods. The court observed that the defendant’s use of a deceptively similar mark would likely mislead consumers and cause damage to the plaintiff’s established goodwill. The order restrains Hempushpa from using the impugned mark in any form and underscores judicial emphasis on protecting brand identity and preventing unfair competition in the marketplace.
Delhi HC restrains Dr Reddy’s over ‘SUN’ mark on sunscreen labels
The Delhi High Court granted an interim injunction in a trademark infringement suit filed by Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd against Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd, finding that the use of the mark “SUN” on sunscreen product labels was likely to cause confusion with the plaintiff’s well-known SUN brand. The Court observed that the defendant’s adoption of the mark for similar goods could lead to consumer mis-association and dilute the distinctiveness of the senior mark, particularly given the overlap in distribution channels. The order restrains Dr Reddy’s from using the impugned mark in relation to sunscreen products and reinforces judicial sensitivity towards protecting established marks in overlapping product categories.
Cause of action at principal and branch offices confers dual jurisdiction: Delhi High Court
The Delhi High Court held that when a cause of action arises both at a company’s principal place of business and its branch office, a suit may be filed at either forum, thereby recognising dual jurisdiction in appropriate cases. In its reasoning, the Court noted that territorial jurisdiction under the Civil Procedure Code must be interpreted in light of convenience and fairness, especially where significant events or breaches occur at multiple locations. This development provides litigants greater flexibility in choosing a forum, particularly in commercial and corporate disputes involving multi-location operations, and underscores judicial emphasis on pragmatic dispute resolution.
New York Times reporter sues Google, xAI and OpenAI over AI training on copyrighted books
A New York Times investigative reporter has filed a copyright infringement lawsuit in a US federal court against Google, xAI and OpenAI, alleging that copyrighted books were copied and used without authorisation to train large language models. The suit claims that such use enabled the development of commercial AI products without compensating authors, raising questions around fair use, licensing and the boundaries of permissible data use for AI training. The case adds to a growing wave of litigation globally examining the intersection of copyright law and generative AI technologies.
Pasadena appeals court will not overturn Paramount win in Top Gun lawsuit
A California appeals court declined to overturn a trial court’s ruling in favour of Paramount Pictures in a copyright infringement lawsuit related to the Top Gun franchise. The lawsuit, brought by a screenwriter who claimed that elements of the films were copied from her work, was largely rejected at trial, and the appellate panel affirmed the lower court’s decision. The development reaffirms judicial deference to procedural findings in copyright cases and highlights the challenges plaintiffs face in proving substantial similarity sufficient to overturn original rulings.
Betty Boop and Nancy Drew to enter the public domain in 2026
Classic cultural icons Betty Boop and Nancy Drew are set to enter the public domain in 2026, marking a significant moment for creators, scholars and the entertainment industry. The transition reflects the expiry of long-standing copyright terms under US law, allowing unrestricted use, adaptation and reinterpretation of these characters without licensing. This development is expected to unlock new creative opportunities across literature, animation, gaming and merchandising, and may spur debates about the economic and cultural impacts of public domain expansion on legacy franchises and rights holders.
