IP breaches up as digital platforms rise

With the Delhi High Court granting interim protection to the intellectual property rights of the 1994 Hindi film Andaz Apna Apna to prevent the unauthorized use of its characters, title, dialogues and artistic elements, entertainment industry experts say there is gradual recognition of the increasing threat to intellectual property (IP) ownership, especially with the proliferation of digital platforms and AI technologies.

- Lata Jha

These rights are being infringed upon in new and sophisticated ways, particularly in the case of older, iconic films through unauthorized use in derivative works, stage plays, YouTube series, or even web content that tries to bank on the popularity of the original. The emergence of social media led to a surge in clipped film scenes, fan edits, dubbed Reels, and remixed dialogues, circulated for ad revenue or to boost influencer engagement.