Delhi High Court Bars Canva’s “Present and Record” Feature in India Over Patent Dispute
The Delhi High Court has ruled that Canva cannot offer its “Present and Record” feature in India for the time being. The decision came in a patent infringement dispute filed by RxPrism Health Systems.
RxPrism holds a patent for a technology that allows users to create interactive presentations by combining background slides with a foreground video of the presenter. The system also includes features like navigation tools, call-to-action buttons, post-recording edits, and easy sharing through a web link.
According to RxPrism, Canva’s “Present and Record” feature, launched in 2020, copied the core elements of this patented technology. The company claimed that Canva continued offering the feature in India even after being informed about the patent and being offered a commercial licence.
In July 2023, a single judge of the Delhi High Court found a prima facie case of patent infringement and passed an interim order restraining Canva from offering the feature in India. The Court also directed Canva to deposit ₹50 lakh as security for past use and pay ₹5 lakh as costs.
Canva challenged this order before a Division Bench, arguing that the single judge had wrongly interpreted the patent claims. Canva also questioned the validity of RxPrism’s patent, stating that similar tools already existed and that the invention was merely a computer programme barred under Section 3(k) of the Patents Act, 1970.
However, the Division Bench refused to interfere. The Court held that appellate courts should not lightly disturb interim injunctions unless they are clearly perverse or legally incorrect. It observed that the single judge had carefully compared the patent claims with Canva’s product and followed settled legal principles.
The Court further clarified that minor technical differences do not avoid infringement if the essential features of a patented invention are used. While Canva’s challenge to the patent’s validity may be examined during trial, it was not strong enough at this stage to override the rights granted by an existing patent.
As a result, the interim injunction remains in force. Canva cannot offer the “Present and Record” feature in India for now, and the patent infringement suit will continue before the trial court.
