Novex Communications Pvt. Ltd. v. Being FS Pacific Hospitality

"Delhi HC grants interim injunction restraining Romeo Lane from playing Novex’s sound recordings without license."

Short Summary :

Novex Communications obtained an ex parte interim injunction from the Delhi High Court restraining Romeo Lane café chain (Being FS Pacific) from publicly performing Novex’s sound recordings without authorization.

Facts :

⦁ Novex Communications, holding copyrights in numerous sound recordings, alleged that Romeo Lane cafés were playing these recordings without obtaining the necessary licenses, despite clear notice and availability of repertoire on Novex’s website .

⦁ The conduct included continued infringement despite prior attempts to stop it; a representative observed unauthorized usage on December 19, 2024, at one venue.

Findings :

⦁ The Delhi High Court, via a Single Judge Bench (Mini Pushkarna, J.), granted an ex parte ad interim injunction.

⦁ The Court restrained Romeo Lane (and related premises/persons) from publicly performing, exploiting, or communicating Novex’s sound recordings until the next hearing.

Suggestion / Implications

⦁ Public venues such as restaurants and cafés must ensure they obtain appropriate copyright authorization for playing music; failure to do so can lead to quick interim relief in favor of copyright holders.

⦁ Providers like Novex can successfully enforce rights through injunctions, especially when infringement is ongoing and the repertoire is publicly identifiable.

Judgment with Date :

⦁ Delhi High Court (Single Judge) ex parte interim injunction granted: January 4, 2025