As Pride Month came to an end, the cinephiles of ALG came together to encourage and engage in conversations around inclusivity through a discussion on the latest edition of ALG’s Movie Club Jeo Baby’s Kaathal – The Core. Kaathal is an engaging cinematic expression of the experience of being a member of this community and navigating the alleys of a society that is yet to fully comprehend their experience.

The members shared their perspective on various aspects of the film, from the political references to economic inequalities playing a role in the discrimination members of the LGBTQ+ community face in coming out to the society. The discussion also touched upon the representation of the various members of the community in cinema and the impact it has on a larger audience. The participants ended the discussion with a renewed appreciation for cinema and its ability to initiate discussion on the larger prejudices that continue to exist in society and bringing the lives of the various communities to the fore for the mainstream audience.

Recently, ALG’s administrative team participated in a workshop on LGBTQ+ inclusivity at the workspace conducted by our D&I Section. The workshop included a brief history of the LGBTQ+ movement and its current standing. The members also discussed various instances of discrimination that they have witnessed against the LGBTQIA+ community. In the workshop, the members participated in a group activity aimed at acknowledging and eliminating microaggressions at the work place and outside it against the community.

It was great to have everyone actively participate in the workshop and share their experiences and thoughts on making workplaces safe spaces for all!

Here’s to continuing our journey of inclusivity and respect, every day!

ALG’s Attorneys came together to celebrate Pride Month by engaging in a fun and insightful game of Pride Trivia. The event was an opportunity for the firm to come together and learn with one another about the history and culture of the LGBTQ+ community. It also gave the members a chance to reflect on the spaces we occupy and the role we play in creating an inclusive and vibrant society.

It was great to have everyone take time out of their busy schedules, come together and celebrate diversity in the spirit of inclusion!

Here’s to continuing our journey of inclusivity and respect, every day!

A ‘Legal Issues Seminar – General IP’ (LIS-GIP) was conducted by Madhulika Tyagi, Associate Trainee on “Can Distinctiveness of Pharmaceutical Drugs be Claimed on the Basis of Shape or Colour?”. The seminar explored multiple High Court rulings which reject claims of distinctiveness solely based on the shape or colour of pharmaceutical drugs. It discussed how Courts view similarities in appearance as insufficient for claims of passing off, given that doctors prescribe medicines based on their composition rather than visual characteristics, thereby reducing the likelihood of confusion. The members analysed cases where Courts acknowledged that a drug’s presentation could imply a common source and gain secondary significance, warranting legal protection. Nevertheless, the consensus was that while trade dress theoretically could be safeguarded in pharmaceuticals, it is typically considered less critical compared to the drug’s name and formulation in legal contexts.

The presentation can be accessed here.

During last week’s Practice Work Shop (PWS) Session, Devesh Kapoor, Associate, hosted a discussion on “Should residuals in syndicated content be mandatory to protect writers and performers?”. The session began with the members exploring the impact of the digital age and the streaming boom on residuals in syndicated content. The members then went on to debate on the necessity of residuals from syndicated content as fair compensation for writers, performers and other contributors for their contribution in creation of content. The discussion concluded with an emphasis on the importance of maintaining a balanced and sustainable entertainment industry that values and fairly compensates its creative talents, while not financially overburdening the producers or unfairly cutting into their profits.