Anand Pandit Stresses Why A Clear IP strategy Should Be Part Of Production Practices

Indian films are no longer viewed as single-use products but as long-term intellectual property assets. Producers now see titles, characters and scripts as commercial tools that can live across sequels, streaming and brand deals. "Film titles and characters, in particular, are now functioning much like brand identifiers, carrying recall, market value, and the potential to anchor franchises."

Intellectual property, original IP and legal protection in Indian cinema

Anand Pandit points out that protecting these elements has become central to business planning. "Protecting these elements is no longer just a legal formality but a business necessity, especially in cinema where similarities in themes and storytelling can occur," says renowned producer Anand Pandit. Pandit adds that strong intellectual property rules also support fair credit, reward and sustainable careers for creators.

India already relies on legal tools to guard creative work in films and series. "At present, we have the Copyright Act, where original literary works like scripts, set work, music and films themselves can be protected. Even movie titles, franchise logos, and catchphrases can be trademarked. Meanwhile, character rights can safeguard unique characters created in films," explains Pandit. These protections help manage growing intellectual property, original IP and licensing revenue streams.

Franchises, original IP and Brand India on the global stage

Recent box office trends show how franchises are shaping intellectual property and original IP planning. Films like 'Dhurandhar' and 'Animal' are built with sequels and spin-offs in mind, with key characters clearly designed for future returns. In 'Pathaan,' Salman Khan appears again as Tiger, while 'Tiger 3' brings Shah Rukh Khan back as Pathaan and Hrithik Roshan as Kabir, under a single studio banner.

These examples show how one company can build a shared world from intellectual property and original IP assets. Big-budget projects now carry trigger points for prequels, sequels and digital spin-offs. Characters, logos and storylines can extend into streaming shows, games or merchandise. Each film becomes a cluster of creative rights that can support fresh revenue beyond theatrical release.

Pandit suggests that the film itself should be treated as the starting point for wider intellectual property and original IP exploitation. "This can help showcase 'Brand India' to the world. International audiences are looking for authentic Indian voices and fresh perspectives. By focusing on original IP, we ensure that the creative and financial rewards of our storytelling remain with Indian creators. It is an exciting time as we move towards becoming a more IP-driven industry."

Yet intellectual property and original IP are often used without permission in advertising or remakes. Hit dialogues may appear in campaigns without scriptwriter credit, and fan-favourite characters or quirks surface on merchandise without licences or royalties. Older stories are sometimes recycled as remakes. Pandit notes that this growing misuse is pushing Bollywood to acknowledge the economic and moral value of intellectual property more seriously.

Pandit stresses that producers, writers and technicians need greater awareness of how intellectual property and original IP work in practice. "A clear IP strategy is essential for long-term growth, and it should be part of production practices. It will also encourage better storytelling, leading to more diverse content, with studios investing in original IP set to shape the future of entertainment," he concludes.