Whilst filing for the copyright, of course, one would be asked whether the work is original or translation or adaptation as shown below.
But according to me, what is Copyrightable shouldn’t qualify to implicitly become Original, or be part of the term - > Originality.
If we can have copyright reciprocal treaties, why can’t that be the case for patents, trademarks, domain disputes without WIPO being involved? It’s understandable that everything comes down to how the payment at the local prosecution would be made, and as of course, the countries who file for most of patent and trademark applications, or domain name disputes, would end up having control over the arguments and legal nitty-gritties being embedded into the global system. And why the present system not fully serves the point of being contending for uniqueness in the World, without having so much of obstructions, in terms of both prosecution and cost involved. And of course, I’m not soliciting pro-bono. But a system, where uniqueness can evolve without limiting its scope to take action against anyone who adapts, derives, copies, infringe, pass off without permission.
Notice the difference between the examination/scrutiny/objections in case of trademarks VS that issued in patents. In the former case, from the examination report to the scrutiny; include territorial prior works. Whilst in case of patents, examination reports consist of global prior arts, yet, if in case patent is granted, then rights are territorial only, like in case of trademarks. Exclude Copyrights due to reciprocal treaties.
In one of my previous blogs https://www.jpranavc.in/2022/12/the-inventors-who-arent-inventors.html , I opined that why every inventor’s actual contribution in the invention must be included; precisely bifurcated, segregated; in the declaration of the inventorship itself, so much so that, once the application becomes public (pre-grant or post-grant), one would be able to know who contributed what in the invention.
It should be considered a wrong precedence if in case trade-secrets are being superimposed, or, tried to be superimposed over patents! The ‘generalized’ structure of the claims shouldn’t become the part of the specification anywhere. The non-inclusion of the precise metrics in the claims, in anticipation of then being used the same invention as a trade secret, should be negated in the specification. As the invention itself is restricted to the scope defined by the best method performed, and not wherein in the generalized definition in anticipation of the same invention to be then being considered as the trade secret as well. And there’s a reason behind that.
Remember, Waymo vs Uber involving Levandowski’s case, wherein it was alleged that Levandowski stole trade secrets to then being used by Uber via acquired firm Otto, that Levandowski started, with all its IP assets, ending up Levandowski’s sentencing, whereas Uber-Waymo signing non-disclosed settlement agreement!
Check the below tweet that I had sent couple of years back (when I was on Twitter) to google (gmail), microsoft (outlook), yahoo (yahoomail); indirectly asking them NOT to delete emails related data, unless & until been explicitly requested by the User itself.
In one of my previous blog, I discussed how and why using some well-known names or surnames which are already being traded in the market could cause infringement, despite the applicant itself sharing the same/similar name or surname. I cited some examples viz. Trump, Tata, Ford, Gucci & the list goes on. I further wrote another blog on Jack Daniels vs Bad Spaniels case wherein I tried to draw the line (personal views) between liberty vs infringement.
Few Questions & Review:
1. The wordings for the data scraping provisions missing.
2. The Data Privacy breach penalties are upto 250 crores. Penalty on the Data Principal is 10k.
3. S.17(1)(d) says: d) personal data of Data Principals not within the territory of India is processed pursuant to any contract entered into with any person outside the territory of India by any person based in India; the exemptions suited for IT/ITES.
There’s a difference between non-infringement vs. becoming actual claimant of the work produced to be then considered as protected under copyright, whether derived/adapted (eg. a theatrical act derived from any book which would explicitly require permission), or, transformed (eg. critical analysis & research that changes characteristics of original work to a greater degree, even without permission under fair use / fair dealing). As non-infringement work isn’t always compounded to be considered as novel minus original; irrespective of the subsequent actions of the original copyright holder; and further, depending on the length & extent of the original work, derived or transformed; question is, can such end products be actually protected under copyright?
There’s no (or
shouldn’t be any) inflexible rule for drafting claims, for example
-> all inventive features should come or characterized or comprised in Claim
1 only as independent or not, & the followed subsequent claims shalt be (in)dependent
or derivatives of the first etc.
The Claims (use, method, process/product, composition) shalt define the scope of the invention (whether as independent or dependent) what’s cited in specification. No more, no less! Subject to, they shalt not be loosely connected. By merely discerning Claim 1, one shouldn’t deduce the inventive feature of the Invention, otherwise, what’s the point of drafting claims after such lengthy specifications? Verbose friendly system?
With
the new updated Google’s Privacy Policy read as:
publicly accessible sources
“For example, we may collect
information that’s publicly available online or from other public sources to
help train Google’s languageAI models and build products and features like Google
Translate, Bard, and Cloud AI capabilities. Or, if
your business’s information appears on a website, we may index and display it
on Google services;”
If the examination of any patent includes global application citations, then technically, is there any point of considering patent territorial, & furthermore making the use of PCT, then seems more redundant, unlike Madrid in TM, as citations differ in both, wherein latter is more territorially defined.
If mere manufacturing for export is considered as use within any territory w.r.t. TM, then shouldn’t rights being implicitly enabled beyond territory (especially of branded) (UFO Contemporary Inc TM case), even in case of non-use?
The
recent Jack Daniel’s TM Infringement Case once again has raised the question of
where the distinction between Liberty and Infringement be drawn.
The case involves infringement of Jack Daniel's TM by VIP Products that made a dog accessory (a chew toy) named as Bad Spaniels along with The Old No.2, on your Tennessee Carpet in it, that resembles the Label, Shape of Bottle, TM of Jack Daniel’s that include Jack Daniel’s along with Old No. 7, Tennessee Whiskey. It’s basically more of a Trade Dress & Shape of Bottle Infringement Case. The Shape of bottle & Shape of the dog toy is same. Label is visually same. Trade Dress seems similar. But yes, both word mark Jack Daniel’s & Bad Spaniels seems different.
DABUS
wasn’t considered as the Inventor as it wasn’t the Natural Person.
What
about the content created by ChatGPT? The human input or ChatGPT itself or OPEN
AI, Who exactly owns that content?
In one of my earlier blogs, I discussed the case of AI being an Inventor citing example of DABUS. In the case of ChatGPT, I decided to converse with it (conversations assembled in several pages). One of the questions I asked it was to write a poetry on a particular subject. It generated an output (a poem), as anticipated. I repeated the question, but now on a slightly different subject. It generated another new poem but this time with few repeated lines taken from the previous ones.
The moment a common name starts appearing in several different inventions associated with distinct subjects/domain/expertise (exclude computer science); one should conclude that he/she is the mere Investor/Owner/Assignee. The real Inventors’ are different, bounded by the Non-Disclosure/Employer-Employee Contract/Assignment; & that Investor/Owner just added their own names without adding any Inventive or Novel theory into that Invention. This has been happening for Decades. And according to me, this practice of adding names to Patents in the inventions wherein those who’ve neither contributed theoretically nor technically anything; should be stopped, everywhere. How this could be achieved?
Can
Sounds be trademarked? Yes! Via sonogram, musical notes and actual
recording of thirty seconds, that can identify any product merely via sound, rather,
visually. Copyrightable? Yes!
Can
Voice be trademarked? Nope! Copyrighted? Sort of, via collection of well-known
personality traits + performer’s rights & moral rights (copyright) +
protection of life & personal liberty (constitution). But it should be
extremely well-known, at least territorially.
Can Names/Surnames be trademarked? Yes. But are Conditional!
As we know, there’re different classes in TM & one acquires exclusive rights over the TM in a class (which again, consists of several set of different goods/services) w.r.t. goods or services manufactured or proffered. But what if there’re two different goods or services falling under the same class, and further, there’re two contenders for the exclusive rights or user, of the same TM?
Let’s say, you were granted a Patent. Then the intimation letter would’ve clearly instructed you to pay the annuity renewal fee U/S 142 (4), also read with U/S 53, payable w.r.t. 3rd year onwards from the Date of Patent i.e. (filing date) before expiration of second year from the date of patent; and furthermore within 3 months (or not later than the extended period of 9 months) from the date of recordal of Patent in the Register. Albeit, the said fees is supposed to be filed within that duration; but somehow the renewal fees wasn’t deposited, & the Patent ceased to exist. So what’s the remedy?
The
present blog isn’t my subject specific domain, yet, thought to write about this.
There was a discussion regarding -> whilst the Industrial Dispute covered the definition of Workman (S.2s) & the Employer (S.2g), it circumvented on defining an Employee (eg. let’s say Software Engineers). So, the way Workman is covered against Laying Off, Retrenchment etc.; Employees, as mentioned above, should’ve also been covered. For example, IT or Finance Sector Employees protected from being Laid Off or Retrenched, especially at the time of Recession or amidst the likes of Covid lockdown.
An
assignment in TM can’t create parallel exclusive rights nor territorial different
exclusive rights, for similar goods or services.
A registered user is the user of any registered TM, u/s 49; becomes registered, post filing a proposed application for the same jointly with registered proprietor of the said TM (owner); along with the TM user agreement executed with the latter; whereas, a permitted user is the user of the trade mark permitted to use by the registered proprietor via written agreement.
Suppose you conceptualized a theme of a Dinosaur Combat with the surrounding nature similar to of that era, & further disclose it to someone else, make this individual sign with you an NDA, for any mutual future production work. Later, this individual, without disclosing you, makes a short or long series or flick, about a Dinosaur combat with similar theme containing elements (elements that define an expression of an idea) of the same era. Is it breach of confidentiality? Further, are Trade Secrets dissimilar or similar to that of protection acquired by Patents?
The earlier few blogs already covered the Madrid System (which is nothing but what resides alike inside a Mall (WIPO) with different showrooms (Contracting Parties (member nations)) in it, where you decide in which shop (designated Contracting Party) you want to approach for your TM to be registered whereas Mall (WIPO) is merely checking security at entry (Irregularities) whilst entering the Mall & guiding you further to different shops with an entrance fee). Also, the previous blogs covered the PCT (Patents), Hague (Design), WIPO Domain Disputes Redressal (UDRP), G.I., Evidence in IP, some part of IT etc., where, when & how to approach & reply &, the further coming blogs would deep dive furthermore into it.
There
shouldn’t be any distortion in the hereinunder flow:
Start
-> Author -> Publisher -> Distributor (if any, of publisher(s)) ->
Seller -> End User -> Stop.
For example, In 2009, Amazon Kindle had to delete e-book copies of 1984 & Animal Farm at the end user’s accounts’ as there was a break in the above chain work flow, as the uploading publisher had no relevant rights directly with author or its assigned publisher or distributor, thus leaving Amazon not having rights to execute contract with the end user buyers/readers’ (somewhat similar to void-ab-initio).
Both context &
concept of Assignment in IP differs as explained:
G.I. - > Herein, any right acquired via registration isn’t a subject matter of assignment (S.24) whereas right of any authorized user (as explained in previous blog) would be passed via succession only.
One of my previous blog briefed about UDRP process for cybersquatting (TM) related disputes, in-depth, from filing - complaint, response; to selecting panel members to time period involved. URS is another light version mechanism used to resolve cybersquatting disputes with almost similar process. Whereas, the present blog briefly explains miscellaneous domain related issues, when arisen &, where to approach.
Article 22-24 of TRIPS Agreement (as already discussed in previous blog in detail with examples of limited suspension of IP rights w.r.t to covid vaccines amidst Covid biowarfare) defines Geographical Indication (G.I.), Whereas, Article 15-21 elucidate about Trademark (TM) (again, as already explained in-depth upto how to globally handle in one of my previous blog). But what exactly is the difference between TM & G.I. & further, can TM be registered as G.I.? To differentiate it with G.I., here’ a small definition:
Digital forensic (of course, isn’t my domain) involves analysis of vulnerabilities via logs, metadata, flow control, network connections, registry data, event logs, storage, file integrity, etc. to detect and track security incidents & compile such data as evidence. This blog basically surrounds electronic records aka evidence w.r.t. IP only, which is in continuation with one of my earlier blog elucidating concept of Online Contracts; and of course further, along with it, my alternate concern + suggestion. Basically, these things hardly change (except the Tech part), which are written in several other similar books, articles or journals. And writing case precedences is mere an act of compilation.
If we can interpret a sentence into several different or distinct meanings, then that framed sentence only is flawed. And that also implies to any legal definition. I’m absolutely not endorsing in verbatim studies or discussing question of law itself, BUT still, what can be precisely defined, (s)could be defined. And this is the reason that for more than millennium, holy wars were unleashed because of misinterpretation of sentences. This ain’t Science, that works on successive steps. Framing of Sentences are in our hands & can be drafted unambiguously.
Is DABUS an Inventor?
Well, the UK, US & EPO don’t think so, whereas, South Africa has another opinion. In my Blogs, I always TRY, NOT to discuss or write repetitive cases or laws or case precedences, rather, produce novel arguments, precise notions or prototypes aka blue prints, for certain practices or system that can be changed for good. And what’s the harm adding probable contentions amongst several other already existing!
The extensive commercial use along with a well-known status on paper gives someone the exclusive rights to be a proprietor of one’s own Surname or even Name, over Others. For example, suppose your surname/name starts or ends with Tata or Trump or Sony or Gucci or Ambani or similar known alike; and you decide to launch your own products or services with your surname/name, anticipating that you’re merely using your own surname/name for its commercial exploitation & have an exclusive rights to do that & further not being in any case infringing/passing off any said surname/name as mentioned supra, which have already acquired a well-known status on paper. Well, you can’t do that & would basically end up infringing/passing off the above trade marks/trade names aka well-known surnames/names.
Basics:
How do we define an Invention?
It’s a product or process built with novel inventive step(s) capable of being industrial applicable.
There’re no words alike may, might, method, probable in any Claims Section of any Patent Application, as Claims are precise, concise, elucidated with exact values or measurements.
The other day, I was leafing through online & came across to one of the presidential debates wherein one contender Ms. Fiorina contended for a Three page taxation code instead of 73,000 pages in US, which was rebutted by everyone else. There’s another debate going on, including in India, of abolishing taxes for good, as it creates load on only few honest tax payers. I’m sailing on the similar ship as a common man wherein to see the entire legal system being minimalistic but unparalleled. AI is an option, & of course is in use at many places, BUT, until General AI is built & planted everywhere with full Autonomy, it’s unworkable. Till then, it has to be done through human intervention.
IP too is subjected to inheritance. One may bequeath to Trust or via Will to its beneficiary Successors or if intestate, then proceeded via Succession act or if part of employment, then irrelevant as the company/firm owns it unless entered into with any special employment provisions. Other ways of transferring rights are through mortgage, license, assignment. And if co-owners, then it’s an undivided right, unless any agreement contrary in force; and rights which further cannot be shared or assigned by either one unless taken consent of the other.
DELETE! But What & Why?
That’s the dilemma in Right to be Forgotten. Is it Right to Privacy? Or is it an obstruction in Freedom of Speech?
Already Modern Historians have done lot of damage in the World. So, is Right to be Forgotten another trick to obliterate actual Historical Facts whilst rewriting contentious Events?
This short blog
contends, why using the term invent for any new word or phrase
or expression is basically inappropriate or unreasonable.
As, one might have come across writings alike - ‘…that person actually invented those word(s) or expression(s)….!’ For eg. let’s consider the term ‘poverty porn’. Technically, that’s not invent nor invention or innovation.
This is continuation of my previous blog covering the R.4(2) of new IT guidelines, which also included the Apple’s dilemma of creating back door for unlocking the iPhone in San Bernardino case for National Security. The current blog is related to the scanning of User’s Data for identification of CSAM (Child Sexual Abuse Material) content, but, at the Client’s Side. And would this Apple’s feature negate its long standing repute of adhering to User’s Privacy, come what may? I’ll elucidate this point by point.
A comprehensive Agreement with the most recent amendments + anthology of different pre-existing IP Treaties / Conventions viz. ICIT (For Integrated Circuit (IC) Design Layout), BERNE (For Copyrights i.e. Literary / Artistic Works), PARIS (For Industrial IP alike PAT/TM/Designs), ROME (For Performance, Broadcasting, Phonograms); constitute TRIPS Agreement.
As long as there are No Strings Attached….
Earlier few blogs briefly elucidated (Policy & Rules) facets of UDRP process for Domain Name Disputes adjudication w.r.t. Trademarks (cybersquatting). Further, WIPO ADR is another way to resolve Disputes w.r.t IP, initiated by the Claimant (one who initiate arbitration) in front of the Tribunal comprising of Arbitrator(s) at the Centre (WIPO) filed, only if & in accordance with the Arbitration Agreement entered between two Parties, which is a must. The compliance of Awards (awarded within three months post closure of proceedings) is given under Article 66 of the Arbitration Rules & shall be effective & binding, just alike any other Arbitration Award, which has limited scope of Appeal, except in cases of correcting technical defects, even at local level.
My next immediate blog regarding WIPO ADR Procedures & Rules for IP Arbitration, defines the scope of how adjudicating any matter could become robust via simplified step by step procedures, policies & rules; as, to my understanding, such are missing at other places. This blog elucidates reasons why simplicity & singularity are indispensable in modern times.
The question of law is decided by presiding officer/judge. Question of fact by circumstantial exhibits. And its conclusion is reached whilst concluding the above two with case precedences aka case laws. For example, can a commonly used initial name be given an exclusive proprietorship rights under trade mark; becomes a mixed matter i.e. both question of law & fact.
Thumb Rule:
Anything Novel Synthetic is Patentable. Natural isn’t as comes under ambit of Discoverable.
But when it comes to gain-of-function researches & kindred inventions, I strongly believe that they must be prosecuted as equalled to an invention kindred to Atomic Energy. Alike S.4 of IPA or S.20 of Atomic Energy Act or U.S.C. S.181 etc., wherein any invention is bound to be scrutinized by respective Government & if so found related to, could be withheld or restricted for publishing or grant or is transferred instantly. Thence, similarly, if & when any Patent kindred to gain-of-function research is ever filed, the said member nation must adhere to similar provisions as mentioned supra w.r.t. Atomic Energy, before reaching at the International Filing Process via Paris Convention or Direct (as already elucidated in detail in my previous blog).
The foundation principle of law anywhere in short may be considered as, ‘Nothing is an offence until the intention (mens rea) is known, taking into account -> right vs right || right vs wrong || wrong vs wrong in any given circumstances.’ Wordings of my definition differ, but never its principle of working. As long as its context is justifiable & prudent, even if it’s beyond the in verbatim written jurisprudence. So, same goes for IP.
With the clause of tracing the Originator R. 4(2) in new IT guidelines (Rules), we revisited the similar era of Apple Encryption case post San Bernardino effect when Apple contended of not being forced for creating any backdoor as that would jeopardize Users’ privacy & could create domino effect all over World against Apple Users. It was case of Right vs Right or Right vs Wrong OR an opportunity to market itself as a prominent leader in End to End Encryption & Users’ Privacy; no idea, but, tracing the Originator has similar meaning hiding behind it.
We must decide what’s more important! To end Covid Biowarfare or to discuss bullish Stocks of some Pharmaceutical Companies all over World. I’m a hard core supporter of IP. But there are times when things need to be seen from an alternate perspective. We aren’t talking about compulsory licences or march in rights or crown use or government acquisition of IP like terms, which all takes time. We are taking about immediate addressing the concern of availability of therapeutic medicines to vaccines to testing kits for Covid all over world.
There’re some procedural similarities & differences between PCT, Madrid & Hague System, which the present blog discusses, as how they are poles apart, but, still have similar foundational structure. So far, previous blogs briefly discussed: Online Contracts, parts of IP (Pat/D/TM/C) / IT Act, Domain Arbitrations, Domestic/International prosecution etc.
IP
is necessary for recognition of the Original Creator & in No Way
should become the means to Exploit public at large. An analogy, Tesla >
Edison.
So far, previous blogs covered parts of IP & IT Acts, Procedures (Domestic/International), Biodiversity, Protocols, Online Contracts, Arbitration etc. This present blog is restricted when might oppositions become troll, beyond definitions.
Let’s separate trademarks, designs, G.I., Patents, and Domain Name Disputes for a moment first, when it come to the infringement proceed...
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