'We own these rights' has been DENIED: Tips Music calls Vashu Bhagnani's lawsuit 'malicious and misconceived'

A legal battle over music rights and intellectual property has broken out between two of Bollywood's most established names. Tips Music Limited is now squaring off against Vashu Bhagnani's Puja Entertainment India Limited (PEIL) after the latter moved a Bihar court alleging unauthorised use of its copyrighted content including films and songs.

The Bihar court has granted interim protection in the matter and asked both parties to maintain status quo until further proceedings unfold. Tips, meanwhile, is not backing down.

What Puja Entertainment Claimed

PEIL approached the Bihar court with the allegation that its films, songs, and other copyrighted material were being commercially used and exploited by Tips Music without the necessary authorisation or permission. The interim relief granted by the court signals that the allegations were found credible enough to warrant a pause on the disputed activity until the matter is heard properly.

What Tips Music Said

Tips issued a sharp official response pushing back on every claim. The label stated: "Tips clarifies that it is the rightful owner of the music rights in question, supported by valid and binding agreements between the parties. Tips has openly and legitimately exploited these rights for nearly three decades in full compliance with the applicable laws."

Why Tips Called It Malicious

The label did not stop at a denial. Tips went further and questioned the intent behind the legal move. Its statement read: "The claims made by PEIL are strongly disputed and appear to be malicious, misconceived, and intended to tarnish the reputation and goodwill of Tips. Tips remains fully confident in defending its rights before the appropriate courts and shall take all necessary legal steps to protect its interest and ownership of rights."

With three decades of rights exploitation at the centre of the dispute, the outcome of this case could have wider implications for how legacy music agreements hold up in Indian courts. Further proceedings are awaited.