A Legal Issues Seminar – General IP (LIS-GIP) was conducted by Shivanshi Gupta, Associate, on the issue: “Whether the backend use of a registered trademark as a search engine keyword constitutes advertising of the Trademark?” The seminar examined the provisions under Sections 29 and 30 of the Trade Marks Act, 1999, governing infringement by use in advertising and the limits of permissible use, read alongside Section 79 of the Information Technology Act, 2000, governing intermediary liability. The seminar explored the interpretational issue that arises when a trademark is used invisibly, at the backend, as a keyword to trigger search advertisements, despite never appearing before the consumer.

The Presentation can be accessed here.

This Pride Month,  ALG’s attorneys came together to celebrate the values of inclusion, authenticity, and belonging reminding ourselves that diversity is not merely acknowledged but embraced.

Through meaningful conversations and shared experiences, we reflected on the importance of creating workplaces where everyone feels respected, heard, and empowered to bring their whole selves to work. The celebration also served as an opportunity to recognize that allyship is s built through everyday actions, empathy, and a continued commitment to fostering an inclusive environment.

It was wonderful to see colleagues come together in the spirit of openness, support, and celebration. These moments reinforce our belief that an inclusive workplace is strengthened by understanding, mutual respect, and the unique perspectives each individual brings.

During the last PWS session, Meghana Killampalli, Associate, hosted a discussion on “Should social media platforms share responsibility for preventing commercial misuse of copyrighted content?” The session examined whether social media platforms can genuinely claim the status of neutral intermediaries when they actively promote content featuring trending music, benefit from increased user engagement, and integrate copyrighted works directly into their content-creation tools. The discussion examined the “illusion of accessibility” where the availability of copyrighted music may lead businesses to assume that its commercial use is permitted without obtaining separate licences. The Attorneys further considered whether platforms are better positioned than individual users to detect and prevent commercial misuse of copyrighted content, or whether responsibility should continue to rest solely with businesses that derive commercial benefit from such use. The session concluded with a discussion on balancing intermediary protection, copyright enforcement, and the practical realities of the digital creator economy.

A Special Legal Issues Seminar was conducted by Devesh Kapoor, Senior Associate, on “Evolution of Online Gaming Law in India”. The seminar traced the regulatory journey of online gaming in India, from the pre-regulatory era and the intermediary framework under the Information Technology Act, 2000, to the introduction of gaming-specific regulations through the IT Amendment Rules, 2023 and the recently enacted Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 (PROG Act) and the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2026 (PROG Rules). The session examined the classification of online games under the PROG Act and PROG Rules, the role and functions of the Online Gaming Authority of India, registration and compliance requirements for online game service providers, financial intermediary obligations, grievance redressal mechanisms, and the penalties applicable for non-compliance. The seminar also discussed the broader regulatory implications of India’s first standalone central legislation governing online gaming and the significant shift in the legal landscape for gaming operators and stakeholders. 

The Presentation can be accessed here.

ALG’s cinephiles came together for the latest edition of the Movie Club to discuss Alex Garland’s thought-provoking science fiction thriller Ex Machina.

The members delved into the film’s exploration of consciousness, artificial intelligence, and what it truly means to be human. Discussions centered on whether Ava’s actions demonstrated genuine self-awareness or merely sophisticated programming, prompting deeper conversations about the nature of free will, identity, and sentience. Drawing from philosophical thought experiments such as Mary’s Room, the group examined the distinction between knowledge and experience, debating whether consciousness can be fully understood through information alone. The Turing Test also featured prominently in the discussion, with members reflecting on whether convincing human behavior is sufficient evidence of intelligence, or if consciousness requires something more. The conversation expanded to broader themes of perception, manipulation, ethics in technological advancement, and humanity’s tendency to anthropomorphise machines. Members also drew parallels with other works exploring similar questions, discussing how Ex Machina challenges conventional boundaries between creator and creation.

ALG’s Movie Club concluded the session with a deeper appreciation for the film’s layered storytelling and philosophical depth, recognizing its enduring relevance in an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.