During last week’s PWS Session, Anurathna Mathivanan, Trainee Associate, led a discussion on “Whether granting monopoly over architectural structures curbs artistic freedom?”. The session led with a discussion on whether architectural facades have an independent commercial value and the extent to which they can be monopolized. The discussion delved into the value and influence these iconic structures have over the public and whether monopolization of any of their aesthetic elements would restrain and create hurdles for artists.

The members also debated on whether there is an inherent value to an iconic building or its aesthetic elements and if it can be identified by a set criteria. The session concluded with possible strategies on how to strike a balance between rights and interests of owners of commercial structures and interested creators.

Recently, ALG’s cinephiles came together in person and virtually, to discuss Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett’s dark-comedy thriller ‘Ready or Not’. The members discussed the struggles of the protagonist, Grace, and how she navigates the night playing the infamous game ‘Hide and Seek’ with the Le Domas family. The members, while sharing their blended thoughts, tried explore the justification behind barbaric nature of the game played in the name of family traditions. The members delved deeper into the messaging of the movie which circled around the elite and their whims being weighed out against the fear of losing loved ones. While watching the movie, we recommend reading up on the history behind ‘1812 Overture’ by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

During last week’s PWS Session, Shubham Singh, Trainee Associate, led a discussion on “Can fanfictions be lucrative for owners of the copyrighted works?”. The session saw engaging  discussion on whether the rise in popularity of fanfictions adds to the fame and also augments profits for the authors of the original copyrighted works. The discussion explored the reasons why it would be profitable for publishers and producers to allow  and encourage fanfictions to thrive in the industry. The memebers also engaged in ana intersting debate on whether subsequent adaptations by third-parties of these works is detrimental to the authors of the original copyrighted works. The session concluded with members sharing possible strategies for copyright owners to exploit fanfictions to their advantage.

ALG’s Sheja Ehtesham and Ashwani Balayan will be attending the International Trademark Association (INTA) Leadership Meeting in Miami, Florida from November 15-18.

This invite-only conference for INTA committee members has come to known for insights on cutting-edge legal and business issues, compelling leadership stories, and facilitate face-to-face Business Development sessions.

Sheja Ehtesham is part of the INTA Project Team organising this year’s meeting, which is chaired by Kim Boyle and Rosa Jimenez.

A ‘Legal Issues Seminar- General IP’ (LIS-GIP) was conducted by Sucharitha Banda, Trainee Associate on ‘When can Damages be Awarded in Copyright Infringement Suits?’. The seminar explored the relevant provisions under the Copyright Act, 1957, and delved into the position taken by the courts in respect of the circumstances under which damages can be awarded in copyright infringement suits. The session explored the need for determining a criteria to ascertain damages that may be awarded in copyright infringement suits. The session concluded with a discussion on whether there is a need for a statutory amendment or for guidelines regarding the same, specifically in inadvertent copyright infringement suits.

The presentation can be accessed here.