Tag: Publishing Laws in India

The works of writers like Enid Blyton, George Eliot, Premchand, and Saki, have come to be embedded in our minds for generations, such as. We associate these names with canonical literature, but sometimes forget that these were not the authors’ real names. They were, in fact, pseudonyms, or pen names, adopted by their owners. The motivation for adopting a pseudonym for a creative work is not always clear, and can include a wish to create a separate identity from one’s real life persona. Whatever be the reason, the manner of protecting copyright in pseudonymous works is slightly different from that of a conventional copyright, which is the subject of this piece....

Maps make stories easier to understand. Whether it is history, geography or political science, a map can break down complex details into a simple picture, and bring immediate clarity. The boundaries depicted by a map are often fundamental to the story. As a result, the accuracy of maps is of particular concern, and often requires navigating legal and regulatory paths to avoid argument and controversy. This note offers a brief look at the issues that private publishers must keep in mind when publishing maps...

The twentieth century rock icon, Jim Morrison, reportedly once said, “The most important kind of freedom is to be what you really are.” Although it was said in another context, Morrison’s quote reinforces the significance of rights that persons have in protecting their individuality, and the traits and characteristics associated with their person. This is where the notion of ‘personality rights’, as we define it in legal parlance, comes in....

Indian Courts have consistently upheld the existence of the right to privacy of individuals. While biographies are important sources informing people of the life stories of their leaders and celebrities, it is important for the authors and the publishers to strictly follow the broad principles that have been laid down by the Courts. There are clear guidelines on how only what is in public domain may be reproduced in a publication. What qualifies as public domain, and where might the author be required to produce written consent is an important understanding to avoid injunctions and other repercussions....