Screenwriters Rights Association of India gets registered as a Copyright Society
The Screenwriters Rights Association of India (SRAI) was granted permission to function as a copyright society by the Registrar of Copyrights on December 30. This means that the SRAI can now collect royalties for dramatic and literary works associated with dramatic works, such as movie dialogues, TV series scripts, and over-the-top (OTT) content including establishing agreements with foreign organizations for rights management.
The news was announced on social media by the office of Minister of Commerce Piyush Goyal on the evening of December 30. See here.
Draft rules Of DPDP Act released for public consultation & feedback
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has released the draft of the highly anticipated Digital Personal Data Protection Rules 2025 (DPDP Rules) for public consultation as of January 3, 2025. The draft version of the DPDP Rules 2025 is open for public consultation until February 18, 2025. The rules will come into effect upon their publication after the consultation period, except for Rules 3 to 15, 21, and 22, which will be implemented at a later date.
Read the Rules here.
Delhi HC grants interim relief to Radio Mirchi in copyright dispute with MissMalini Productions over unauthorized use of “What Women Want” clips
The Delhi High Court recently granted interim relief to radio broadcaster Mirchi FM in a copyright infringement case against MissMalini Entertainment Private Limited (MEPL). The dispute involves the alleged unauthorized use of clips from the talk show What Women Want, hosted by Kareena Kapoor Khan. On December 20, Justice Mini Pushkarna issued an ex parte interim injunction, ordering MEPL to remove the disputed video clips from YouTube and Instagram within 48 hours. The court also prohibited MEPL from using Mirchi’s copyrighted content on any platform until the next hearing, set for May 13.
Read more about it here.
MIB developing rules for regulating online ads & influencer marketing
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) is in the process of developing rules to regulate online advertisements, including influencer marketing, as part of its expanded mandate under the amended ‘Allocation of Business Rules’ of July 2023.
Read more about it here.
SEBI amends Investment Advisor Regulations to address AI related risks
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has proposed amendments to the Investment Advisers Regulations, 2024, to address risks associated with the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in investment advisory services. The new rules make investment advisers responsible for ensuring the security, confidentiality, and integrity of client data when using AI tools for advice. The amendments also redefine ‘Investment Advice,’ update qualifications for advisers, and introduce new guidelines for compliance, website maintenance, and disclosure. All investment advisers must be qualified and registered under the 2013 Investment Advisor Regulations
Read more about it here.
Court orders Ramdev Masala to stop selling products under “Ramdev” name
A city civil court has resolved a 25-year-long trademark dispute by issuing a permanent injunction against Ramdev Masala and Ramdev Exports, along with their owners, prohibiting them from using the “Ramdev” or “Ramdev Masala” trademarks and labels for spices. This ruling followed objections raised by Ramdev Food Products Pvt Ltd. Judge J. M. Brahmbhatt delivered the verdict, ordering the companies and their proprietors to pay Rs 1 crore in compensation for trademark infringement and misrepresentation. The trademark dispute began in 1998 after three directors, including Arvindbhai Patel, left Ramdev Food Products and continued to manufacture and sell spice products under the “Ramdev” mark.
Read more about it here.
Abu Dhabi Film Commission Raises Its New Rebate to up to 50% of Qualified Production Spend
The Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC), part of the Creative Media Authority (CMA) in Abu Dhabi, has unveiled significant enhancements to its longstanding film and TV production rebate program. Under the new guidelines, international, regional, and local production companies will be eligible for up to a 50 percent total cashback rebate, contingent on meeting specific criteria and a sliding-scale points system.
Read more here
