During the last PWS session, Amal Riaz, Trainee Associate hosted a discussion on “Should the public be free to use AI-cloned voices of deceased artists/personalities, or should personality rights limit their use?” The session commenced with a discussion on whether AI voice cloning of deceased artists stifle creativity by limiting new artists’ opportunities, or does it provide a platform for novel artistic expression. The members then went on to discuss whether posthumous personality rights should be recognized and should voice cloning of deceased artists be protected under personality rights. The members exchanged ideas as to what would be the ideal period, for providing protection to the voice of a deceased personality after which it would pass into the public domain. The session concluded with a discussion on a suitable legal framework where the public and private rights are balanced such that creativity is not restricted but simultaneously the heirs of the deceased artists are compensated.

A ‘Special Legal Issues Seminar – General IP’ (LIS-GIP) was conducted by Vaidehi Gupta, Associate, on “Technical Requirements under Section 63, Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023”. The seminar discussed and delved into critical updates affecting the admissibility of electronic evidence, specifically in the context of trademark proceedings before the TM Registry. The seminar involved a detailed discussion regarding the new procedural requirements under Section 63 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, such as the statutorily prescribed format for a Certificate of electronic evidence, the requirement of a HASH value generation report, the requirement of an “Expert” certification of the electronic evidence being submitted etc. The session also addressed the possible impacts of these changes, especially from the practice perspective at Trademarks Registry.

During the last PWS session, Nadra Jawaid, Trainee Associate hosted a discussion on “Whether Gray Market Goods Undermine Trademark Protections?” The session commenced with a discussion on whether it would be disproportionately advantageous to a manufacturer if the law restricts buyers from dealing with the grey market. The members then went on to discuss what challenges posed by the grey market to the protection of a trademark owner’s reputation and goodwill? The members exchanged ideas on grey market goods influencing competition in the marketplace between authorized sellers and grey market distributors. The session concluded with the discussion of various strategies to combat grey market issues.

A ‘Special Legal Issues Seminar- General IP’ (LIS-GIP) was conducted by Richa Pushpam, Trainee Associate, on “Notarisation, Apostille, Legalisation, and Digital Signatures of Documents for the purposes of filings in India (courts and IP Offices)”. The seminar discussed relevant provisions under the Notaries Act, 1952, the Hague Apostille Convention, 1961 and the Information Technology Act, 2000. The session analysed various judgments discussing the nuances of notarisation, apostille and consular legalisation for authentication of public documents.

The members also exchanged their views on the admissibility of electronically signed and notarised documents during filings in Indian courts and IP offices.

The presentation can be accessed here.

ALG’s administrators had the pleasure of coming together for a delightful lunch gathering. It was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect outside the usual work environment and enjoy a relaxed, refreshing atmosphere.

Our administrators are an integral part of ALG. Their dedication and hard work behind the scenes ensure that we, as lawyers, can perform our roles efficiently. This gathering was a small way to acknowledge their contributions and express our appreciation for their constant support. Several administrators were recognized with awards for their outstanding contributions, while others received well-deserved promotions.

It was a memorable occasion for all, celebrating not only the accomplishments of our administrators but also the sense of teamwork and camaraderie that strengthens our firm.