CorpConnect Corporate Law News August 2025

Sale of IP addresses: a legal and commercial perspective

The Internet Protocol (IP) address has long been treated as a technical resource, essential for connecting devices and networks. For decades, it was distributed freely to organizations, governments, and service providers by Regional Internet Registries (RIRs). However, the growth of the internet and the exhaustion of IPv4 addresses has transformed these digital identifiers into valuable and tradable assets. The notion that something as intangible as an IP address can be sold or transferred raises important legal, tax, and compliance questions.

Cyber Security Issue Halts Virtual Hearings at Nclt Kolkata Bench

On July 30, 2025, National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), Kolkata Bench suspended Video Conferencing (hereinafter referred to VC) hearing with immediate effect as a preventive step due to cybersecurity breach where an unknown perpetrator displayed an inappropriate content during an online proceeding. The service of virtual hearing will remain suspended until clearance is received from National Informatics Centre (NIC), the premier Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Organization of Government of India.

The Tamil Nadu Online Gaming Law: a Compliance Roadmap for Gaming Companies

India’s online gaming industry has been on a rapid growth trajectory. In 2024, it recorded a 7% year-on-year increase to reach 488 million gamers, according to the FICCI-EY report Shape the Future. Valued at $3.7 billion in 2024, the sector is projected to more than double to $9.1 billion by 2029, with real money gaming accounting for an estimated 86% of total revenue. These figures illustrate why states are introducing regulatory frameworks to balance growth with consumer protection. Tamil Nadu’s Prohibition of Online Gambling and Regulation of Online Games Act, 2022 is one such regime. Supported by the Tamil Nadu Online Gaming Authority and Regulation of Online Games Rules, 2023 and the Tamil Nadu Online Gaming Authority (Real Money Games) Regulations, 2025, it sets out clear prohibitions, licensing requirements, and operational obligations. For companies, this is not a new development to be ignored, it is an active regulatory framework that directly affects how games can be designed, marketed, and monetised in the State.

Kerala High Court’s New Al Guidelines Set National Standard for Judicial Integrity

On July 19, 2025, the Kerala High Court published its “Policy Regarding Use of Artificial Intelligence Tools in District Judiciary” , (hereinafter referred to as the “Policy”), for the responsible and restricted use of Artificial Intelligence in judicial functions of the District Judiciary. The Policy, addressed to all District Judges and Chief Judicial Magistrates, directs them to communicate the Policy to all Judicial Officers and the staff members under their jurisdiction and take necessary steps to ensure strict compliance with the Policy. Kerala High Court is the first High Court to issue a formally documented and binding set of guidelines restricting Artificial Intelligence (AI) use in district and subordinate courts.

Significant Beneficial Ownership Under the Indian Companies Act: a Legal Guide for Businesses

The concept of Significant Beneficial Ownership (SBO) has gained importance in India’s corporate regulatory landscape as a measure to improve transparency and curb misuse of corporate structures. Enforced through the Companies Act, 2013 and the Companies (Significant Beneficial Owners) Rules, 2018, SBO provisions seek to uncover the individuals who ultimately control or benefit from companies, even when ownership is indirect or layered through other entities. This article explains the legal framework, key obligations, recent regulatory actions, and practical compliance steps for businesses.

Steering Through Data: Telematics Insurance and India’s Privacy Landscape

Tesla prepares to expand its presence in India, one of the lesserdiscussed aspects of its business model i.e. in-house Telematics Insurance service may face significant regulatory challenges. Unlike conventional motor insurance, Tesla’s Telematics Insurance model relies heavily on real-time telematics data such as speed, breaking patterns, acceleration, miles driven etc. to personalize premiums. As the model relies on continuous behavioral tracking and profiling of individuals, it is subjected to the requirements of Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (hereinafter referred to as” DPDP Act”) which imposes strict conditions on the collection and use of personal data.

Omnibus Technical Regulations (OTR): Everything You Need to Know

In recent years, India has steadily tightened its regulatory framework around product safety and quality. At the center of this framework is the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the national standards body responsible for formulating, certifying, and monitoring compliance with Indian Standards. The government has increasingly relied on BIS to ensure that products used, manufactured, or imported in the country meet rigorous safety and performance criteria.
One of the most significant regulatory instruments introduced in the field of industrial machinery and electrical equipment is the Omnibus Technical Regulations (OTR). This set of regulations brings together multiple categories of machinery under one comprehensive order, requiring manufacturers to adhere to Indian Standards and obtain BIS certification before placing such products on the market.

Handling of Personal Financial Data by Payment Gateways

In a significant move, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has notified The Aadhaar Authentication for Good Governance (Social Welfare, Innovation, Knowledge) Rules, 2025 (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Amendment’) on January 31, 2025 which seeks to enhance the scope and utility of Aadhaar authentication with improved transparency and inclusivity. The Amendment enables both, the government and non-government entities to avail Aadhaar authentication service for providing services in the public interest for related purposes like enablement of innovation, spread of knowledge, promoting ease of living of residents and enabling better access.

Madras HC Allows Aadhaar Checks for Online Real Money Games

The Hon’ble Madras High Court on June 3, 2025, in the case titled ‘Play Games 24×7 Private Limited v State of Tamil Nadu’ (hereinafter referred to as ‘Play Games Case’), gave a go ahead to Tamil Nadu’s new State rules regulating Online Real Money (hereinafter referred to as ‘ORM’) Games including online games of skill which include wager or stakes. The Division bench, in an effort to strike balance between Individual Interest and General Public interest, critically evaluated key concepts of law.