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ARTICLE · 19 FEBRUARY 2018

Copyright And Reality TV Shows

Khurana & Khurana, Advocates and IP Attorneys
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There is a thin line between inspiration and infringement. Copying a script in a unique way is inspiration, but "in an original way" it is an absolute infringement of that right. Copyright cannot protect "ideas" but only the mere expression of the same.

IndiaIntellectual Property
Tushita Dogra
Tushita Dogra
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There is a thin line between inspiration and infringement. Copying a script in a unique way is inspiration, but "in an original way" it is an absolute infringement of that right. Copyright cannot protect "ideas" but only the mere expression of the same.

There are so many reality TV shows in the present day, it is not easy to get protection for your concept and distinctiveness. No reality show with a generic script can fight for infringement in the Court. It is essential to show the copying of the "formats" of the concept and how unique they are.

1. The recent case of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. v. Sony Pictures Networks1 (Bombay High Court) The plaintiff, Zee Entertainment claims that its popular show 'India's Best Dramebaaz', a televised talent hunt for child actors in the 5-12 age group has been illicitly copied by the defendant, infringing its concept note and 'production bible'. Zee contended that Sony's upcoming show 'Sabse Bada Kalakar' is a copy

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