Delhi High Court Addresses Copyright Infringement Dispute Between Humans of Bombay and People of India In a significant legal development, the Delhi High Court has intervened in a copyright infringement dispute between “Humans of Bombay” (HOB) and “People of India” (POI), instructing both platforms to refrain from using each other’s copyrighted content, including images, texts, and videos. The court’s decision underscores the distinction between ideas and their expression, emphasizing that copying the expression constitutes a breach of copyright.
Here are the key aspects of the court’s directive and the underlying copyright dispute:
1. Copyright Infringement: The primary issue at hand pertains to copyright infringement, with HOB alleging that POI used its copyrighted content without proper authorization. The court has taken this matter seriously and issued a clear directive to cease using each other’s protected materials.
2. Ideas vs. Expression: The court’s ruling reaffirms the established legal principle that copyright protection extends to the expression of an idea rather than the idea itself. This is a fundamental distinction in copyright law – while ideas are free to be shared and reimagined, their unique expression through content such as text, images, and videos is safeguarded by copyright.
3. Copyright Ownership: The court clarified that for commissioned photos or videos, the copyright naturally belongs to the platform that commissioned the work, be it HOB or POI. However, privately shared images by the individuals who are the subjects of the content may not be protected under copyright and can be shared more freely.
4. Legal Adherence: Both HOB and POI are expected to strictly adhere to the court’s orders, which serve as a guideline to resolve the copyright dispute. Failing to do so could lead to further legal actions, fines, or penalties.
This legal dispute between HOB and POI highlights the importance of respecting intellectual property rights, especially in the context of online content-sharing platforms. The Delhi High Court’s ruling not only addresses the immediate dispute but also sets a precedent for the treatment of copyrighted material in the digital age.
It serves as a reminder to content creators, platforms, and individuals to be diligent about respecting copyright laws, understanding the boundaries of fair use, and securing proper authorization when sharing or reproducing protected content. This case also underscores the significance of protecting the intellectual property of content creators and upholding the principles of intellectual property rights in the evolving landscape of digital media.
