Cryogas Equipment Pvt. Ltd. v. Inox India Ltd

"Copyright Infringement in Industrial Designs"

Description :

The Supreme Court of India upheld the Gujarat High Court's directive for a fresh trial in a copyright infringement case involving Cryogas Equipment and Inox India, concerning cryogenic storage tank designs.

Facts :

- Inox India accused Cryogas Equipment and LNG Express of copying its designs for cryogenic storage tanks and distribution systems.

- Inox claimed infringement of its proprietary engineering drawings under the Copyright Act.

- The case involved allegations of Cryogas and LNG Express using Inox's artistic and literary works without permission.

Key Points :

- Copyright Infringement: Inox alleged that Cryogas and LNG Express infringed its copyright in proprietary engineering drawings.

- Designs Act and Copyright Act: The Supreme Court examined the synergy between the Designs Act and the Copyright Act.

- Fresh Trial: The court directed a fresh trial in the commercial court, allowing Inox's plea to restrain Cryogas and LNG from infringing its designs.

Judgment :

- The Supreme Court upheld the Gujarat High Court's decision, setting aside the commercial court's judgment that had rejected Inox's suit.

- The court directed the commercial court to decide on Inox's pending plea within two months.

- The judgment highlights the complexities of intellectual property law and the need for careful consideration of design and copyright infringement claims