Absolute Legends Sports Pvt. Ltd. restrained from performing copyrighted sound recordings without a license.
In a significant development, the Bombay High Court has granted ad-interim relief to Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL), restraining Absolute Legends Sports Private Limited from publicly performing or communicating PPL's copyrighted sound recordings without obtaining a valid license. The order was pronounced by Justice Sharmila U. Deshmukh on March 12, 2026, in response to an application filed by PPL seeking urgent intervention.
The case revolves around the alleged infringement of PPL's exclusive rights to grant licenses for its copyrighted sound recordings. The Plaintiff, represented by Mr. Amogh Singh and his legal team, argued that the Respondent, Absolute Legends Sports Pvt. Ltd., had previously acknowledged PPL's rights by procuring licenses for similar events and providing an undertaking in December 2023. This undertaking assured that licenses would be obtained whenever PPL's sound recordings were used for public communication at any premises or events controlled by the Respondent.
The court noted that despite prior procurement of licenses, the Respondent had not obtained the necessary licenses for the scheduled matches, prompting PPL to issue a legal notice in February 2025, which went unanswered. This led to apprehensions that the copyrighted sound recordings would be played during the events without authorization.
Justice Deshmukh observed that the past conduct of obtaining licenses indicated the Respondent's awareness of the necessity to secure permission from PPL. The court deemed PPL's apprehensions as well-founded, especially considering the scheduled matches for 2026, which are slated to occur almost daily.
In light of these considerations, the court granted ad-interim relief as per prayer clause (a) of the application, effectively restraining the Respondent from using PPL's sound recordings without a license. The interim order will remain in effect until the next hearing scheduled for April 8, 2026.
This judgment underscores the importance of adherence to copyright laws and the enforcement of licensing agreements, serving as a reminder to entities involved in public performances to ensure compliance with legal requirements.
Bottom Line:
Copyright Law - Ad-interim relief granted in a quia timet action to restrain Respondent from publicly performing or communicating Plaintiff's copyrighted sound recordings without obtaining a license.
Statutory provision(s): Copyright Act, 1957 Sections 51, 55
