Copyright
Zee vs. Libas: Instagram Music and Copyright Law
The Zee v. Libas copyright case exposes a significant legal blind spot for many Indian brands: the assumption that Instagram's built-in music library grants commercial rights. Justice Tushar Rao Gedela’s ruling confirms that platform-level access for personal use does not equate to a license for brand promotions or commercial Reels. As Zee pursues litigation against major retailers like Nykaa and JioStar, it is clear that courts are now scrutinizing the line between platform access and illegal commercial exploitation. Brands must secure direct synchronization licenses to avoid severe copyright infringement liability.