Navigating Global Jurisdiction: The Indian Courts’ Approach to Online IP Infringement
Written by Akanksha Oak, Jindal Global Law School, India
Introduction
The modern commerce landscape faces a significant challenge: the widespread infringement of intellectual property (“IP”) rights due to online interactions that enable instant global access. This issue is exacerbated by cross-border activities, necessitating the application of private international law (“PIL”). However, IP protection remains territorial, guided by the principle of “lex loci protectionis.” This results in complexities when it intersects with PIL. Online IP infringement further convolutes matters due to the internet’s omnipresence and accessibility, making the establishment of jurisdiction a complicated process for legal professionals. A pivotal development in this arena occurred in 2021 when the Delhi High Court rendered a judgement in the case of HK Media Limited and Anr v. Brainlink International Inc.,[1] illuminating India’s legal framework for determining jurisdiction in cases of online IP infringement within the context of cross-border disputes.