Delhi High Court

Anil Gupta v Kunal Dasgupta

2002 (25) PTC 1 (Del)20021 min read
The case in brief30-second read
Facts
The plaintiffs developed a detailed concept for a reality matchmaking show called 'Swayamvar' and shared it with the defendants, who then planned a similar show, 'Shubh Vivah'.
Issue
Whether the plaintiffs' concept was protectable.
Held
An idea as such has no copyright, but an idea developed into a sufficiently detailed concept can be protected, including by the law of confidence. The Swayamvar concept was protected and the defendants were restrained from airing a similar matchmaking programme for a limited period.
Principle
A detailed, developed concept shared in confidence can be protected even though a bare idea cannot.

Facts

  • The plaintiffs developed a detailed concept for a reality matchmaking show called 'Swayamvar' and shared it with the defendants, who then planned a similar show, 'Shubh Vivah'.

Issue

  1. Whether the plaintiffs' concept was protectable.

Held

  • An idea as such has no copyright, but an idea developed into a sufficiently detailed concept can be protected, including by the law of confidence. The Swayamvar concept was protected and the defendants were restrained from airing a similar matchmaking programme for a limited period.

Cite this

Citation

Anil Gupta v Kunal Dasgupta 2002 (25) PTC 1 (Del)

Reported: https://indiankanoon.org/doc/712028/ ; https://indiankanoon.org/doc/1709727/. This is an educational summary, not the judgment itself. Cite the reported version in professional or academic work.