Arjun is a well-known writer. In 2015, he wrote an original novel titled "The Silent River". The book was first published in India in 2016. In 2018, a film company called Meera Films Pvt. Ltd. took written permission fro

CS Executive · Economic, Commercial and Intellectual Property Laws · PYQS · June 2026
Arjun is a well-known writer. In 2015, he wrote an original novel titled "The Silent River". The book was first published in India in 2016. In 2018, a film company called Meera Films Pvt. Ltd. took written permission from Arjun to make a movie based on his novel. However, their agreement did not clearly mention satellite broadcasting rights (such as showing the film on television). In 2023, another producer released a film titled "Quiet Waters". Arjun claims that this new film is very similar to his novel. According to him, not only the main idea but also the storyline, characters and sequence of events have been copied. Further, a broadcasting company telecast the film made by Meera Films but did not pay any royalty to Arjun. The company claims that it has legal rights to broadcast the film. In fact, Arjun had not registered his copyright. The defendants argue that because the work was not registered, Arjun cannot file a copyright infringement case. Arjun wants to file suit seeking relief for copyright infringement. Based on above facts, answer the following with legal provision of Copyright Act, 1957: Whether copying the storyline and sequence of events in the film "Quiet Waters" amounts to copyright infringement?

Answer & Explanation:

As the Rule laid down in R.G. Anand v. Deluxe Films , copyright does not subsist in an idea, theme, or plot, but in the form, manner, arrangement, and expression of the idea. If the expression is substantially copied, it amounts to infringement. There can be no copyright in an idea, subject-matter, themes, plots or historical or legendary facts and violation of the copyright in such cases is confined to the form, manner and arrangement and expression of the idea by the author of the copyrighted work. In this case, Arjun alleges that not only the idea but also the storyline, characters, and sequence of events have been copied. Therefore, if substantial expression is proved to be copied, it would amount to copyright infringement.

Topics: Intellectual Property Law

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