OFFENCES OF INFRINGEMENT OF COPYRIGHT u/s 63 OF COPYRIGHT ACT IS COGNIZABLE OFFENCE: KARNATAKA HIGH COURT In this case the petitioner ANI Technologies Private Limited (Ola Cabs) launched a feature in their cabs wherein television sets were fixed on the headrest of the front seat for playing of songs. Wherein several of the contents of music videos and songs belonging to several of the films whose music copyrights were with one of the respondents Lahari Recording Company, were played in Ola prime cabs, without purchasing such copyrights. A complaint was filed by Lahari Recording Company alleging offences punishable under Section 63 and 64 of the Copyright Act. The said petition is filed by Ola Cabs to the Karnataka High Court calling in question the registration of FIR against them under section 63 of the Copyrights Act. The court stated that in the present case the competent Criminal Court can sentence an offender under Section 63 of the Act to three years imprisonment. Exactly three years is a possibility in given circumstance, hence it falls under item no. 2 of schedule II of Cr.P.C. Therefore, the court held that Section 63 of the Copyright Act, which prescribes a punishment of minimum 6 months that may extend to 3 years imprisonment, is cognizable offence and police can register an FIR on receipt of a complaint. Reddy and Reddy Law Firm assists clients in the registration of their intellectual property rights and their protection. Our team has experience in representing clients in IP related disputes in all appropriate forums.