A ‘Legal Issues Seminar- General IP’ (LIS-GIP) was conducted by Abhilasha Rathore, Associate on ‘Does a Contractual Agreement Override the Doctrine of First Sale Vis-à-vis Third Party Resales?’. The seminar explored the relevant provisions under the Copyright Act, 1957, and delved into the position taken by courts in respect of the applicability of the Doctrine of First Sale vis-à-vis literary, musical, dramatic works and cinematographic works. The session explored the applicability of the doctrine in cases where the first sale had been effected by the exclusive licensees discharging obligations in accordance with the executed agreement. The session concluded with a discussion on whether the rights of the owner could be broader than that of the licensee and whether an amendment to the legal framework is required to clarify the position of a third party that is not privy to the agreement, being bound by it.

The presentation can be accessed here.

Interns – Anushree Modi, Anshika Tiwari and Noyonika Kar have commenced their General IP Internship with the firm’s law practice.

We hope their stay in the firm during the 4 week period of their internship will be mutually enriching and that the firm and they will learn exciting things from each other!

General IP Intern – Saransh Saxena (Pre-Final Year) has successfully completed his Internship at ALG. At the end of his internship, he obliged us with his thoughts and ideas during the Sharing of Reflections (SoR) session. His presence enriched the firm while he interned here. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

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.