Monthly Round-up | India March 2024

Authors : Nilanshu Shekhar, Rishabh Manocha, Akanksha Anand
  1. Appeals, Judgments, And The Product-By-Process Puzzle (Read Here)
  2. Scent-Sational Drama: Lotus V. ‘Splash’ Trademark Wars (Read Here)

Can be Waterworld Iphone? Apple Patents Submarine Touchscreen Tech

Apple patents an “underwater mode” for iPhones, enabling touchscreen and camera use up to 40 meters deep. The proposed interface simplifies navigation with larger buttons and streamlined menus. While current iPhones are water-resistant, this suggests Apple’s interest in fully submersible devices. The potential feature could transform underwater photography and navigation

Read More

Oppo's Legal Dilemma: Pending Royalties, INR 5 Lakh Penalty, and the Countdown Begins!

Delhi High Court orders Oppo to deposit pending royalties in patent dispute with Interdigital, imposing a INR 5 lakh penalty for delays. Failure to comply within three months may lead to a court order restraining Oppo device sales in India. The expedited trial must conclude by December 2024, with additional deposit requirements by March 2025 if not met.

Read More

Patents at the Heart of India's EFTA Struggle

India’s negotiations with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) face internal discord
a ong government departments, particularly concerning pharmaceutical provisions. Differences arise over demands from Swiss and Norwegian pharmaceutical companies, with concerns that proposed clauses could impact patient access to life-saving drugs and hinder the local pharmaceutical industry

Read More

CSOs Uncover Mystery Plot in India's 2023 Patent Drama

Civil society organizations (CSOs) in India appeal to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to drop the proposed Patent (Amendment) Rules, 2023, asserting potential threats to access to
medicines. They highlight concerns about diluting public health safeguards, arbitrary powers granted to authorities, and adverse impacts on transparency within the patent system.

Read More

IIT Madras 300 Patents - What’s the story?

IIT Madras witnessed a substantial rise in Indian patents, recording 300 in 2023, almost double the count in 2022. The institute also saw a notable increase in international patents filed, reaching 105 in 2023 compared to 58 the previous year.

Read More

What 205 Patents Reveal About the Future of EV’S.

Ola Electric emerges as the leading patent publisher in India for the 2022-23 period, with 205 patents in the EV and EV-related technologies. The company, aiming to raise Rs 5,500 crore through its IPO, allocates Rs 1,600 crore for research and development, highlighting its focus on
innovation. Ola Electric’s patent dominance extends globally, with registered patents and applications in the US, UK, China, Japan, and Australia, showcasing its commitment to advancing EV technology.

Read More

In Patent Ballet - Oppo and Nokia Dance to a resolution Tune

Oppo and Nokia have jointly requested the Delhi High Court to withdraw their patent infringement cases, indicating a resolution of disputes through a confidential litigation settlement last month. The court acknowledged the withdrawal, emphasizing adherence to the terms and conditions of the global settlement.

Read More

Delhi HC to ‘Botanic Hearth’ played Copycat: Trademark, Not Trade Paste

The Delhi High Court has granted a permanent injunction to Volans Uptown LLC against a defendant attempting trademark squatting with the mark ‘Botanic Hearth’. The plaintiff, a global cosmetic products manufacturer, raised concerns of potential confusion and deception as the defendant filed an identical trade mark application for the same class of goods. The court recognized the defendant’s deliberate practice of trade mark squatting and the threat it posed to legitimate trade mark owners.

Read More

Domino's Drama: Swiggy's Fake-Out or Real Slice?

Domino’s Pizza outlets on Swiggy, with intentionally misspelled names, prompt concerns about trademark infringement and deceive customers. Swiggy user exposes the issue, highlighting the potential for trademark violation and customer deception.

Read More

Stitching Stories: Unexpected Journey of Tangail Saree’s GI Woes

The Tangail saree becomes a point of contention between Bangladesh and India after the latter issues a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for the product originating in West Bengal. The dispute centers around the unique handwoven tradition, leading to concerns about intellectual property rights and potential economic ramifications, with suggestions for collaborative solutions instead of divisive fights.

Read More

From GI GLory to Sales Surge , Bengal’s Biswa Bangla Shines

Since obtaining the Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Bengal, Biswa Bangla products like Dokra, Santiniketan leather, Nakshi kantha, and other handicrafts have experienced a notable increase in demand. Sales at Biswa Bangla Stores have risen by approximately 8% in the current fiscal year, with specific items like Dokra, Baluchari, and Kantha witnessing substantial purchases, contributing to the economic empowerment of skilled artisans in West Bengal

Read More

From Soil to Stage, Arunachal’s 18 Gems shine in GI Limelight

Arunachal Pradesh awarded Geographical Indication (GI) certificates to 18 distinct products during a state folk music and dance festival. Supported by NABARD, the products include Khamti rice, Tangsa textile, Singpho Tea, and more, symbolizing the region’s rich traditions and heritage.

Read More

SPB's Afterlife Remix: 'Keedaa Cola' Gets a Legal Encore

SPB’s family legally challenges ‘Keedaa Cola’ for unauthorized AI recreation, stressing the need for consent in posthumous voice use. The incident fuels a broader debate on ethical and legal concerns surrounding AI-generated voices for late singers. Respect for deceased artists’ rights and obtaining consent emerge as pivotal issues in the evolving landscape.

Read More

Copyright Clash or Karaoke Craze: What's the Buzz with Kinjal Dave's 'Char Char Bangadi ?

The Gujarat High Court extends the stay on singer Kinjal Dave’s performance of ‘ Char char bangadi wali gaadi’ after Red Ribbon’s Copyright appeal. The court had dismissed Red Ribbon’s 2019 lawsuit, and the stay now continues till March 6, pending document review. The legal battle revolves around claims of Copyright infringement, with Red Ribbon alleging Kinjal Dave copied the song conceptualized by Karthik Patel.

Read More

Delhi Jam: Music Unites for One-Window Copyright Groove:

Music industry stakeholders, including ISAMRA, IPRS, PPL, RMPL, NOVEX, CINEFIL, SRAI, and IMI, convene in New Delhi to establish a One-Window Music Copyright Licensing Regime, aiming to increase copyright compliance and simplify the licensing process for users. The committee emphasizes the need for a unified approach to ensure fair royalties and ease of doing business.

Read More

Goa’s circular silences copyright Troubles

Goa’s Home Department issued a circular stating that copyright permission is not required for musical performances at religious ceremonies, weddings, and social festivals. The move aims to prevent harassment and warns of action against hotels making such demands, clarifying that obtaining permissions for musical works at weddings violates the Copyright Act.

Read More

Can Judges trust the Machines?

Delhi High Court Justice Anish Dayal expresses concerns over the complexities introduced by artificial intelligence, stating that judges may struggle to trust the evidence presented. The judge highlights the challenges and innovations in the recently instituted Intellectual Property division of the Delhi High Court.

Read More

Pepsico Potato chip Chronicles (Plant variety protection)

Delhi High Court reverses the dismissal of PepsiCo’s appeal, restoring protection for potato plant variety FL 2027 used in Lay’s chips, after legal challenges and misclassification issues. The court rules in favor of PepsiCo, overturning the revocation of the Protection of Plant Varieties certificate, citing specific grounds related to the application process and the timing of the first commercial sale.

Read More

India’s IP Index Scorecard Unveiled

India maintains its 42nd position in the International IP Index 2024, with a score of 38.64%, remaining unchanged since 2022. The report expresses concerns over India’s IP regime, citing the dissolution of the Intellectual Property Appellate Board and judicial resource limitations, while recognizing strengths like the Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill 2023 and urging global IP policy leadership.

Read More

Monthly Round-up | India March 2024

Authors : Nilanshu Shekhar, Rishabh Manocha, Akanksha Anand
  1. Appeals, Judgments, And The Product-By-Process Puzzle (Read Here)
  2. Scent-Sational Drama: Lotus V. ‘Splash’ Trademark Wars (Read Here)

Can be Waterworld Iphone? Apple Patents Submarine Touchscreen Tech

Apple patents an “underwater mode” for iPhones, enabling touchscreen and camera use up to 40 meters deep. The proposed interface simplifies navigation with larger buttons and streamlined menus. While current iPhones are water-resistant, this suggests Apple’s interest in fully submersible devices. The potential feature could transform underwater photography and navigation

Read More

Oppo's Legal Dilemma: Pending Royalties, INR 5 Lakh Penalty, and the Countdown Begins!

Delhi High Court orders Oppo to deposit pending royalties in patent dispute with Interdigital, imposing a INR 5 lakh penalty for delays. Failure to comply within three months may lead to a court order restraining Oppo device sales in India. The expedited trial must conclude by December 2024, with additional deposit requirements by March 2025 if not met.

Read More

Patents at the Heart of India's EFTA Struggle

India’s negotiations with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) face internal discord
a ong government departments, particularly concerning pharmaceutical provisions. Differences arise over demands from Swiss and Norwegian pharmaceutical companies, with concerns that proposed clauses could impact patient access to life-saving drugs and hinder the local pharmaceutical industry

Read More

CSOs Uncover Mystery Plot in India's 2023 Patent Drama

Civil society organizations (CSOs) in India appeal to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to drop the proposed Patent (Amendment) Rules, 2023, asserting potential threats to access to
medicines. They highlight concerns about diluting public health safeguards, arbitrary powers granted to authorities, and adverse impacts on transparency within the patent system.

Read More

IIT Madras 300 Patents - What’s the story?

IIT Madras witnessed a substantial rise in Indian patents, recording 300 in 2023, almost double the count in 2022. The institute also saw a notable increase in international patents filed, reaching 105 in 2023 compared to 58 the previous year.

Read More

What 205 Patents Reveal About the Future of EV’S.

Ola Electric emerges as the leading patent publisher in India for the 2022-23 period, with 205 patents in the EV and EV-related technologies. The company, aiming to raise Rs 5,500 crore through its IPO, allocates Rs 1,600 crore for research and development, highlighting its focus on
innovation. Ola Electric’s patent dominance extends globally, with registered patents and applications in the US, UK, China, Japan, and Australia, showcasing its commitment to advancing EV technology.

Read More

In Patent Ballet - Oppo and Nokia Dance to a resolution Tune

Oppo and Nokia have jointly requested the Delhi High Court to withdraw their patent infringement cases, indicating a resolution of disputes through a confidential litigation settlement last month. The court acknowledged the withdrawal, emphasizing adherence to the terms and conditions of the global settlement.

Read More

Delhi HC to ‘Botanic Hearth’ played Copycat: Trademark, Not Trade Paste

The Delhi High Court has granted a permanent injunction to Volans Uptown LLC against a defendant attempting trademark squatting with the mark ‘Botanic Hearth’. The plaintiff, a global cosmetic products manufacturer, raised concerns of potential confusion and deception as the defendant filed an identical trade mark application for the same class of goods. The court recognized the defendant’s deliberate practice of trade mark squatting and the threat it posed to legitimate trade mark owners.

Read More

Domino's Drama: Swiggy's Fake-Out or Real Slice?

Domino’s Pizza outlets on Swiggy, with intentionally misspelled names, prompt concerns about trademark infringement and deceive customers. Swiggy user exposes the issue, highlighting the potential for trademark violation and customer deception.

Read More

Stitching Stories: Unexpected Journey of Tangail Saree’s GI Woes

The Tangail saree becomes a point of contention between Bangladesh and India after the latter issues a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for the product originating in West Bengal. The dispute centers around the unique handwoven tradition, leading to concerns about intellectual property rights and potential economic ramifications, with suggestions for collaborative solutions instead of divisive fights.

Read More

From GI GLory to Sales Surge , Bengal’s Biswa Bangla Shines

Since obtaining the Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Bengal, Biswa Bangla products like Dokra, Santiniketan leather, Nakshi kantha, and other handicrafts have experienced a notable increase in demand. Sales at Biswa Bangla Stores have risen by approximately 8% in the current fiscal year, with specific items like Dokra, Baluchari, and Kantha witnessing substantial purchases, contributing to the economic empowerment of skilled artisans in West Bengal

Read More

From Soil to Stage, Arunachal’s 18 Gems shine in GI Limelight

Arunachal Pradesh awarded Geographical Indication (GI) certificates to 18 distinct products during a state folk music and dance festival. Supported by NABARD, the products include Khamti rice, Tangsa textile, Singpho Tea, and more, symbolizing the region’s rich traditions and heritage.

Read More

SPB's Afterlife Remix: 'Keedaa Cola' Gets a Legal Encore

SPB’s family legally challenges ‘Keedaa Cola’ for unauthorized AI recreation, stressing the need for consent in posthumous voice use. The incident fuels a broader debate on ethical and legal concerns surrounding AI-generated voices for late singers. Respect for deceased artists’ rights and obtaining consent emerge as pivotal issues in the evolving landscape.

Read More

Copyright Clash or Karaoke Craze: What's the Buzz with Kinjal Dave's 'Char Char Bangadi ?

The Gujarat High Court extends the stay on singer Kinjal Dave’s performance of ‘ Char char bangadi wali gaadi’ after Red Ribbon’s Copyright appeal. The court had dismissed Red Ribbon’s 2019 lawsuit, and the stay now continues till March 6, pending document review. The legal battle revolves around claims of Copyright infringement, with Red Ribbon alleging Kinjal Dave copied the song conceptualized by Karthik Patel.

Read More

Delhi Jam: Music Unites for One-Window Copyright Groove:

Music industry stakeholders, including ISAMRA, IPRS, PPL, RMPL, NOVEX, CINEFIL, SRAI, and IMI, convene in New Delhi to establish a One-Window Music Copyright Licensing Regime, aiming to increase copyright compliance and simplify the licensing process for users. The committee emphasizes the need for a unified approach to ensure fair royalties and ease of doing business.

Read More

Goa’s circular silences copyright Troubles

Goa’s Home Department issued a circular stating that copyright permission is not required for musical performances at religious ceremonies, weddings, and social festivals. The move aims to prevent harassment and warns of action against hotels making such demands, clarifying that obtaining permissions for musical works at weddings violates the Copyright Act.

Read More

Can Judges trust the Machines?

Delhi High Court Justice Anish Dayal expresses concerns over the complexities introduced by artificial intelligence, stating that judges may struggle to trust the evidence presented. The judge highlights the challenges and innovations in the recently instituted Intellectual Property division of the Delhi High Court.

Read More

Pepsico Potato chip Chronicles (Plant variety protection)

Delhi High Court reverses the dismissal of PepsiCo’s appeal, restoring protection for potato plant variety FL 2027 used in Lay’s chips, after legal challenges and misclassification issues. The court rules in favor of PepsiCo, overturning the revocation of the Protection of Plant Varieties certificate, citing specific grounds related to the application process and the timing of the first commercial sale.

Read More

India’s IP Index Scorecard Unveiled

India maintains its 42nd position in the International IP Index 2024, with a score of 38.64%, remaining unchanged since 2022. The report expresses concerns over India’s IP regime, citing the dissolution of the Intellectual Property Appellate Board and judicial resource limitations, while recognizing strengths like the Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill 2023 and urging global IP policy leadership.

Read More

Monthly Round-up | India March 2024

Authors : Nilanshu Shekhar, Rishabh Manocha, Akanksha Anand
  1. Appeals, Judgments, And The Product-By-Process Puzzle (Read Here)
  2. Scent-Sational Drama: Lotus V. ‘Splash’ Trademark Wars (Read Here)

Can be Waterworld Iphone? Apple Patents Submarine Touchscreen Tech

Apple patents an “underwater mode” for iPhones, enabling touchscreen and camera use up to 40 meters deep. The proposed interface simplifies navigation with larger buttons and streamlined menus. While current iPhones are water-resistant, this suggests Apple’s interest in fully submersible devices. The potential feature could transform underwater photography and navigation

Read More

Oppo's Legal Dilemma: Pending Royalties, INR 5 Lakh Penalty, and the Countdown Begins!

Delhi High Court orders Oppo to deposit pending royalties in patent dispute with Interdigital, imposing a INR 5 lakh penalty for delays. Failure to comply within three months may lead to a court order restraining Oppo device sales in India. The expedited trial must conclude by December 2024, with additional deposit requirements by March 2025 if not met.

Read More

Patents at the Heart of India's EFTA Struggle

India’s negotiations with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) face internal discord
a ong government departments, particularly concerning pharmaceutical provisions. Differences arise over demands from Swiss and Norwegian pharmaceutical companies, with concerns that proposed clauses could impact patient access to life-saving drugs and hinder the local pharmaceutical industry

Read More

CSOs Uncover Mystery Plot in India's 2023 Patent Drama

Civil society organizations (CSOs) in India appeal to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to drop the proposed Patent (Amendment) Rules, 2023, asserting potential threats to access to
medicines. They highlight concerns about diluting public health safeguards, arbitrary powers granted to authorities, and adverse impacts on transparency within the patent system.

Read More

IIT Madras 300 Patents - What’s the story?

IIT Madras witnessed a substantial rise in Indian patents, recording 300 in 2023, almost double the count in 2022. The institute also saw a notable increase in international patents filed, reaching 105 in 2023 compared to 58 the previous year.

Read More

What 205 Patents Reveal About the Future of EV’S.

Ola Electric emerges as the leading patent publisher in India for the 2022-23 period, with 205 patents in the EV and EV-related technologies. The company, aiming to raise Rs 5,500 crore through its IPO, allocates Rs 1,600 crore for research and development, highlighting its focus on
innovation. Ola Electric’s patent dominance extends globally, with registered patents and applications in the US, UK, China, Japan, and Australia, showcasing its commitment to advancing EV technology.

Read More

In Patent Ballet - Oppo and Nokia Dance to a resolution Tune

Oppo and Nokia have jointly requested the Delhi High Court to withdraw their patent infringement cases, indicating a resolution of disputes through a confidential litigation settlement last month. The court acknowledged the withdrawal, emphasizing adherence to the terms and conditions of the global settlement.

Read More

Delhi HC to ‘Botanic Hearth’ played Copycat: Trademark, Not Trade Paste

The Delhi High Court has granted a permanent injunction to Volans Uptown LLC against a defendant attempting trademark squatting with the mark ‘Botanic Hearth’. The plaintiff, a global cosmetic products manufacturer, raised concerns of potential confusion and deception as the defendant filed an identical trade mark application for the same class of goods. The court recognized the defendant’s deliberate practice of trade mark squatting and the threat it posed to legitimate trade mark owners.

Read More

Domino's Drama: Swiggy's Fake-Out or Real Slice?

Domino’s Pizza outlets on Swiggy, with intentionally misspelled names, prompt concerns about trademark infringement and deceive customers. Swiggy user exposes the issue, highlighting the potential for trademark violation and customer deception.

Read More

Stitching Stories: Unexpected Journey of Tangail Saree’s GI Woes

The Tangail saree becomes a point of contention between Bangladesh and India after the latter issues a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for the product originating in West Bengal. The dispute centers around the unique handwoven tradition, leading to concerns about intellectual property rights and potential economic ramifications, with suggestions for collaborative solutions instead of divisive fights.

Read More

From GI GLory to Sales Surge , Bengal’s Biswa Bangla Shines

Since obtaining the Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Bengal, Biswa Bangla products like Dokra, Santiniketan leather, Nakshi kantha, and other handicrafts have experienced a notable increase in demand. Sales at Biswa Bangla Stores have risen by approximately 8% in the current fiscal year, with specific items like Dokra, Baluchari, and Kantha witnessing substantial purchases, contributing to the economic empowerment of skilled artisans in West Bengal

Read More

From Soil to Stage, Arunachal’s 18 Gems shine in GI Limelight

Arunachal Pradesh awarded Geographical Indication (GI) certificates to 18 distinct products during a state folk music and dance festival. Supported by NABARD, the products include Khamti rice, Tangsa textile, Singpho Tea, and more, symbolizing the region’s rich traditions and heritage.

Read More

SPB's Afterlife Remix: 'Keedaa Cola' Gets a Legal Encore

SPB’s family legally challenges ‘Keedaa Cola’ for unauthorized AI recreation, stressing the need for consent in posthumous voice use. The incident fuels a broader debate on ethical and legal concerns surrounding AI-generated voices for late singers. Respect for deceased artists’ rights and obtaining consent emerge as pivotal issues in the evolving landscape.

Read More

Copyright Clash or Karaoke Craze: What's the Buzz with Kinjal Dave's 'Char Char Bangadi ?

The Gujarat High Court extends the stay on singer Kinjal Dave’s performance of ‘ Char char bangadi wali gaadi’ after Red Ribbon’s Copyright appeal. The court had dismissed Red Ribbon’s 2019 lawsuit, and the stay now continues till March 6, pending document review. The legal battle revolves around claims of Copyright infringement, with Red Ribbon alleging Kinjal Dave copied the song conceptualized by Karthik Patel.

Read More

Delhi Jam: Music Unites for One-Window Copyright Groove:

Music industry stakeholders, including ISAMRA, IPRS, PPL, RMPL, NOVEX, CINEFIL, SRAI, and IMI, convene in New Delhi to establish a One-Window Music Copyright Licensing Regime, aiming to increase copyright compliance and simplify the licensing process for users. The committee emphasizes the need for a unified approach to ensure fair royalties and ease of doing business.

Read More

Goa’s circular silences copyright Troubles

Goa’s Home Department issued a circular stating that copyright permission is not required for musical performances at religious ceremonies, weddings, and social festivals. The move aims to prevent harassment and warns of action against hotels making such demands, clarifying that obtaining permissions for musical works at weddings violates the Copyright Act.

Read More

Can Judges trust the Machines?

Delhi High Court Justice Anish Dayal expresses concerns over the complexities introduced by artificial intelligence, stating that judges may struggle to trust the evidence presented. The judge highlights the challenges and innovations in the recently instituted Intellectual Property division of the Delhi High Court.

Read More

Pepsico Potato chip Chronicles (Plant variety protection)

Delhi High Court reverses the dismissal of PepsiCo’s appeal, restoring protection for potato plant variety FL 2027 used in Lay’s chips, after legal challenges and misclassification issues. The court rules in favor of PepsiCo, overturning the revocation of the Protection of Plant Varieties certificate, citing specific grounds related to the application process and the timing of the first commercial sale.

Read More

India’s IP Index Scorecard Unveiled

India maintains its 42nd position in the International IP Index 2024, with a score of 38.64%, remaining unchanged since 2022. The report expresses concerns over India’s IP regime, citing the dissolution of the Intellectual Property Appellate Board and judicial resource limitations, while recognizing strengths like the Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill 2023 and urging global IP policy leadership.

Read More