Intellectual Property Updates

the Bombay High Court granted ad interim relief in a suit filed by veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha seeking protection of his personality rights against unauthorised commercial exploitation across digital platforms. The Court restrained unidentified defendants and online intermediaries from using the actor’s name, image, likeness, voice, vocal style, and his well known dialogue delivery without express authorisation.

The Division Bench of the Delhi High Court upheld an interim injunction in Canva Pty Ltd v. RxPrism Health Systems Pvt Ltd, affirming the Single Judge’s order restraining Canva from offering its “Present and Record” feature within India pending trial. The dispute concerned allegations of patent infringement relating to a system and method for content presentation and recording functionality.

the Indian Trade Marks Registry accepted for advertisement what is being widely regarded as India’s first olfactory or smell based trademark application. The application, filed by Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd., relates to a rose like floral fragrance applied to tyres.

In a significant intellectual property law development, the Delhi High Court delivered a detailed ruling in Nippon Steel Corporation v. Controller of Patents, addressing the statutory requirement of “proof of right” in patent applications. The Court clarified the evidentiary threshold and circumstances under which an employment agreement and associated internal IP policy can constitute valid entitlement to file a patent application on behalf of a corporate applicant.

In a landmark brand protection development, Taj Hotels, a marquee Indian hospitality brand, has secured registration of a distinctive sound mark under the Trade Marks Act, 1999, marking an important milestone in the acceptance of non-traditional trademarks in India.

Recently, the Delhi High Court brought Crocs back into the ring against Indian giants like Bata, Relaxo, and Liberty by reviving its passing-off suits. On the surface, this might look like another design fight over a popular clog shape. But dig deeper, and this decision signals a fundamental shift in how Indian courts are starting to approach design protection and brand identity.

Prada's recent Spring/Summer 2026 collection, featuring footwear strikingly similar to India's Kolhapuri Chappals, sparked significant debate. This incident underscores critical issues of intellectual property, cultural appreciation, and appropriation in global fashion.

Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot recently highlighted a crucial need: establishing dedicated Intellectual Property (IP) Centres in Indian universities. This initiative aims to address a significant strategic gap within India's thriving, yet often unprotected, startup ecosystem.

The landscape of Computer-Related Inventions (CRIs) in India is continuously evolving, and the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks (CGPDTM) recently published the Draft Guidelines for Examination of Computer-Related Inventions (CRI), 2025, Version 2.0. This revised draft, which underwent public consultation earlier this month, aims to provide much-needed clarity and consistency in assessing the patentability of software-related inventions under India's Patents Act, 1970.

The Delhi High Court has delivered another pivotal ruling against AI-generated deepfakes, ordering the swift takedown of a YouTube channel illegally impersonating renowned journalist Anjana Om Kashyap. This decision underscores the judiciary's firm stance on safeguarding personality rights and combating digital deception.

The Bombay High Court recently delivered a noteworthy judgment concerning TikTok, upholding the Registrar of Trademarks' decision to deny "well-known" status to the popular platform's mark in India. This ruling offers a compelling insight into the interplay between trademark law and broader national interests.

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) unveiled the Draft Copyright (Amendment) Rules, 2025, in June, proposing significant changes to royalty collection for certain creative works. This move signals India's intent to further digitize its intellectual property framework and enhance transparency in the copyright ecosystem.

The Delhi High Court recently delivered a crucial interim injunction against the unauthorized use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for voice cloning, marking a significant development in protecting personality rights in the digital age. This ruling underscores the judiciary's proactive approach to the emerging challenges posed by generative AI.

The Delhi High Court has recently introduced and applied a powerful new legal tool, terming it a 'Superlative Injunction' to combat rampant online intellectual property (IP) infringement, particularly concerning real-time digital content. This development marks a significant escalation in the Indian judiciary's efforts to protect broadcasting rights holders against evolving piracy tactics.