Supreme Court Rejects Ilaiyaraaja’s Plea to Shift Sony Music Copyright Case
On 28 July 2025, Supreme Court bench of CJI BR Gavai, Justices K Vinod Chandran, and NV Anjaria dismissed Ilaiyaraaja Music’s plea seeking transfer of Sony Music’s copyright suit, involving 536 musical works, from Bombay to Madras High Court. Court reaffirmed jurisdiction principle, ruling transfer unjustified without compelling reasons, thus upholding Bombay HC’s jurisdiction over the matter.
Well-Known Mark status to nutella
Justice Saurabh Banerjee of the Delhi High Court declared Ferrero’s “NUTELLA” a well-known trademark, citing global goodwill and longstanding use. The Court awarded ₹30 lakh in damages and ₹2 lakh in costs. It emphasized Nutella’s international recognition and existing declarations by WIPO and INTA to justify broader protection beyond product categories.
Bombay HC Upholds Licensing Control Over Brand Kirloskar
The Bombay High Court stayed a January 2025 Pune court order, affirming Kirloskar Proprietary Ltd’s (KPL)right to independently license the “Kirloskar” trademark. Dismissing objections from Kirloskar Brothers Ltd., the Court upheld KPL’s authority as the registered proprietor. The ruling highlights the value of internal licensing arrangements in family-run businesses to safeguard brand control and prevent misuse.
India Issues CRI Guidelines 2.0 for Patenting Software and AI
The Indian Patent Office has released the revised 2025 Guidelines for Computer-Related Inventions (CRIs), providing clarity on patentability of inventions related to emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Deep Learning (DL), Cloud Computing, Quantum Computing, and Blockchain. The notified guidelines are now available on the official website of the CGPDTM at www.ipindia.gov.in.
India and UK Deepen IP Cooperation with New Work Plan
India’s IP Office and the UKIPO have adopted a Joint Work Plan to enhance bilateral IP cooperation. The plan focuses on capacity building, sharing best practices, automation, AI, and public awareness. It also strengthens IP enforcement, supports startups and SMEs, and fosters innovation through regular technical exchanges and expert collaboration. The MoU is now available on the official website of the CGPDTM at www.ipindia.gov.in.
US Judge Disqualifies Lawyers for Submitting AI-Fabricated Case Citations
A federal judge disqualified three Butler Snow LLP attorneys from the matter, after they submitted AI-generated, fictitious legal citations in a case. The Court found their actions undermined the integrity of proceedings and misled the court. This ruling marks a sharp warning against use of generative AI in legal filings and highlights the need for human verification and accountability.
Fortnite Faces Legal Heat Over Alleged Copy of Rauw Alejandro Dance Moves
Choreographer Kyle Hanagami has sued Epic Games, alleging that Fortnite’s in-game dance emote copied choreography he created for Rauw Alejandro’s 2021 music video “Touching the Sky” without permission or credit. The lawsuit claims copyright infringement, reviving debate over IP rights in digital content and virtual performances, especially amid rising use of creator-driven assets in gaming.
Pfizer and BioNTech Lose UK Appeal in Moderna COVID Patent Dispute
A UK Court has dismissed Pfizer and BioNTech’s appeal against Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine patent win. The Court upheld that Moderna’s patented technology was infringed by Pfizer-BioNTech’s vaccine. This ruling strengthens Moderna’s global IP position in mRNA technology, with major implications for ongoing cross-border patent battles in the post-pandemic vaccine landscape.
Qatar Trademark Office Begins Digital Shift with e-Certificates
Qatar’s Trademark Office has launched a pilot phase of its digital transformation, introducing electronic publication of its Gazette and e-Certificates of Registration. The move aligns with Qatar’s national strategy to digitize government services for greater efficiency.
