Introduction Software refers to a compilation of instructions, data, or programs designed to operate machinery and execute specific tasks. The realm of software serves as the driving force behind modern efficiency and innovation in various industries, relying on intricate instructions and programs to accomplish specific tasks. This vital sector, characterized by skilful craftsmanship and significant effort, demands protection against unauthorized use and replication in today’s digitally pervasive landscape. Protecting software innovations, which include inventions, creative works, and commerci ..read more

Protecting jewellery with the aid of intellectual property rights is a topic of interest which sparks curiosity. While copyright is concerned with the creative part of jewellery, design is concerned with the shape, configuration, pattern, and mix of lines or colours in two or three-dimensional forms. Additionally, the jewellery’s brand name and logo may be protected under the purview of the Trade Marks Act.   PROTECTION AS COPYRIGHT OR DESIGNS To decide whether jewellery can be protected through copyright or design laws, it is necessary to understand the difference between the two. Sectio ..read more

Introduction UNESCO defines cultural heritage as, “the cultural legacy that we receive from the past, which we live in the present and which we will pass on to the future generations.” Our cultural heritage is an integral part of our lifestyle and are specific to different communities, countries etc. There are two types of cultural heritage, tangible and intangible. Tangible heritage includes heritage sites like historical temples, palaces etc, artifacts and archaeological sites and intangible heritage includes stories passed on orally through generations, traditional handicrafts, rituals, kno ..read more

Ed Sheeran is a world-renowned singer, songwriter, and composer. He has become a household name owing to hits like “Perfect”, “Shape of You”, “Castle on the Hill”, “Photograph” etc. His music is characterised by easy-to-understand lyrics and soft yet catchy tunes. Looking back, his career trajectory has been laced with a healthy amount of plagiarism allegations by other artists. These allegations are extremely shocking given that his music has received numerous accolades and has consistently ranked charts in multiple countries. Three of the most prominent accusations of plagiarism are with re ..read more

Understanding Copyright How would you define copyright? In simple word, the term “copyright” is a combination of the two words, i.e., “copy” and “right,” which means “right to copy.” In other words, it gives the copyright owner the exclusive right to make copies of the work, and to exercise the secondary rights that come with the monopolistic power, such as licensing rights, etc. The genesis of copyright as an established legal right can be traced back to England, 1710 where the first copyright law— the Statute of Anne was established. What made it truly groundbreaking ..read more

Music is an artistic work which is subject to copyright protection. Music lovers can now effortlessly stream music from anywhere in the world. Even in restaurants, bars, and lounges, the music is played to entertain their customers, whether by employing DJs or playing music through sound systems. However, copyright infringement occurs when such copyrighted music is streamed without acquiring proper license from the copyright owners. Copyright infringement disrupts the exclusive right of the copyright holder, who is usually the music producer in the case of mu ..read more

Music is an artistic work which falls into the purview of copyright protection. Nowadays, music lovers can easily stream music. Even restaurants, bars and lounges play music to entertain guests, either through hiring DJs or by playing music through sound systems. However, if such streaming of copyrighted music is done without obtaining license from the copyright holder, then it amounts to copyright infringement. Copyright infringement disrupts the exclusive right of the copyright holder, who is usually the music producer in the case of musical works, to gain commercial benefits from their cop ..read more

Photographs are under the subject matter of copyright which means that photographs are artistic works that attract copyright protection. The author of an artistic work, in case of a photograph, is the author who has originally captured the photograph, and is deemed to be the original owner of the photograph and thereby made the holder of copyright. In India, photographs enjoy copyright protection under Section 2 (c) i of the Copyright Act, 1957, which mentions the certain types of artistic works granted copyright protection in India. In USA, the person who presses the shutter button of a came ..read more

Producers of cinematographic films use musical works to invoke a range of feelings which improves the overall experience of the audience. It creates a sense of rhythm and commentary to the segments and scenes which helps shape the emotional responses that make the cinematic experience memorable. In the famous movie Titanic, the scene in which the violins kept playing while the ship was sinking has become iconic in the minds of the public. Viewers may or may not realize how much music adds to the cinematic experience, sometimes becoming as important as the visual scenes themselves. Keeping the ..read more

It is fairly common to come across works which are the creations of multiple persons and authorship vests in all such people that contributed towards the creation of that work. Some common examples include two or more authors contributing towards writing a research paper or in the instance of musical works where the music composer and lyricist come together to create the next chartbuster, the list is seemingly endless. However, what constitutes joint authorship? Is it simply working on a project or is there more to it? In this article we discuss the doctrine of joint authorship and the rights ..read more