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Posted inIntellectual property laws WIPO

How to protect your Intellectual Property using WIPO tools

This detailed guide walks creators, entrepreneurs, and legal professionals through the key systems of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the Madrid System for trademarks, the PCT system for patents, the Hague System for designs, and the Lisbon System for geographical indications. Whether you are just starting out or scaling up, this guide will help you ensure that your intellectual property is ready for the global stage.
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Posted inIntellectual property laws

What is the legal process of obtaining a music license in India (Part 1)

Music licensing in India is a complex legal process governed by the Copyright Act, 1957, involving multiple rights such as musical works, lyrics, sound recordings, and performers' rights. Whether you are a filmmaker, content creator, or business owner, using music legally requires a properly drafted music license agreement. A well-drafted agreement, clear on ownership and usage, ensures creators and users respect each other’s rights while avoiding disputes. 
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How to register a Production House in India and protect its intellectual property

In this guide, I shall walk you through every step you must take to legally register your production house in India and protect the intellectual property it creates. Whether you are a filmmaker with one project or an entrepreneur planning a full-scale studio, this roadmap shall help you build a strong foundation legally, commercially, and creatively.
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Posted inIntellectual property laws

How to register a film title with the Screenwriters Association (SWA)

If you are an aspiring screenwriter, independent filmmaker, or legal professional in media/IP law, then this article is for you. In this article, I will guide you through the practical steps to register a film title with the SWA, explain what legal protection it does and does not offer, and help you decide when title registration might not be enough. If you are serious about safeguarding your creative work, this is a process worth understanding.
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Posted inIntellectual property laws

Streaming platforms and Intellectual Property: Who owns what on OTT platforms like Netflix and Hotstar?

The rise of OTT platforms like Netflix and Hotstar has transformed digital entertainment, but the question of intellectual property (IP) ownership behind streamed content remains complex. This article explores the intricate web of IP rights, copyrights, trademarks, moral rights, and licensing agreements that govern content on these platforms, particularly in the Indian context. The article provides practical steps to secure and manage IP, ensuring content remains a valuable, protected asset in the streaming economy.
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Posted inDrafting Copyright Act, 1957 Intellectual property laws

AI compliance: How developers can meet global standards

This guide navigates the complex intersection of AI development and copyright law, addressing legal and ethical challenges for developers training AI models with copyrighted content. This article explores how copying protected materials (e.g., books, music, databases) for AI training can infringe copyrights unless exceptions like fair use or permissions apply. This article also outlines international frameworks and national laws, including the UK’s proposed text and data mining exception, the US’s fair use doctrine, and India’s narrow fair dealing under the Copyright Act, 1957. 
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Posted inIntellectual property laws Drafting

Filing a PCT application: Your complete guide to protecting inventions beyond borders

In this article, I shall walk you through the PCT process step-by-step, from filing your initial application in India to entering the national phase in foreign countries. Whether you are new to patents or someone who has filed a few applications before, this guide will provide clarity, practical insights, and the answers to common questions.