Regulation of abusive practices by copyright holders under the Competition Act, 2002

Doctoral Research

Awarded by: University of Kerala, 2024

Abstract:

This doctoral research examines the interface between copyright law and competition law in India, with a focus on anti-competitive conduct in the entertainment sector—particularly film, software, and broadcasting industries. It investigates how copyright holders and trade associations often engage in practices that distort competition, including anti-competitive agreements and collective dominance, especially in a rapidly digitizing economy. The study highlights the inadequacy of current enforcement mechanisms under the Competition Act, 2002 in addressing such abuses. A key contribution of this research is the proposal for a targeted amendment to the Competition Act to explicitly address abusive practices by copyright holders, including collective dominance and restrictive licensing models. By bridging statutory gaps, the research aims to strengthen regulatory oversight and promote a fairer, innovation-driven creative economy.

Related Publications

Articles

  1. Vishnu, S. (2025). Indian film industry’s growth and the rise of anticompetitive practices. CCI Journal on Competition Law and Policy. CCI. 5(2), 199–223. ISSN: 2582-838X
  2. Vishnu, S. (2025). The intricate dance of copyright in OTT licensing and distribution, Chalachitra Sameeksha, Kerala State Chalachitra Academy 9(1), 54-59. ISSN: 2584-1173
  3. Vishnu, S. (2024). Beyond standards: Antitrust scrutiny on essential patents in the modern market. CCI Journal on Competition Law and Policy. CCI. 33-54. ISSN: 2582-838X
  4. Vishnu, S. (2023). Indian entertainment industry’s copyright empire: A threat to creativity. Journal of Intellectual Property Studies, NLU Jodhpur. 45-57. ISSN: 2583-5297
  5. Vishnu, S. (2023). Copyright and competition: a legal tightrope for streaming services. CCI Journal on Competition Law and Policy. CCI. 27-40. ISSN: 2582-838X
  6. Vishnu, S. (2023). Pervasive effect of Competition law on copyright societies in India. Journal of Intellectual Property Rights, CSIR-NIScPR. 87-93. ISSN: 0975-1076
  7. Vishnu, S. (2020). Software interoperability and competition law. Journal of Intellectual Property Rights, CSIR-NIScPR. 180-185. ISSN: 0975-1076
  8. Vishnu, S. (2018). Understanding the concept of abuse of dominance in copyright, Kerala University Journal for Legal Studies. 208-220. ISSN: 2278‐2702

Books

  1. Warrier, V. S. (2021). Competition law in India, Thomson Reuters, ISBN: 9789391340117.