Bills to update regulation of news and entertainment

India’s media and entertainment industry has seen an explosive surge in the past decade. While new media agencies are constantly vying with old hands to gain a foothold in the industry, the existing agencies have smoothly taken to newer media platforms with gusto. Add to that, international publications and media houses are making a beeline to India’s shores. Suddenly new regulatory concerns have cropped up and several bills have been introduced that address them. Three of these bills are outlined below.

News media

The Press and Registration of Books and Publications Bill, 2013, seeks to consolidate and amend the existing laws on the press and registration of books. The bill would allow Indian entities and citizens (except for those convicted for terrorist acts, unlawful activities and acts against the security of the state) to start newspapers and journals.

Prior approval of the central government would be required to print or publish a newspaper or journal if: (a) the publication is owned or invested in by a foreigner or an entity registered outside India; (b) its title is identical or similar to a foreign journal’s title; (c) its foreign news content exceeds the limits prescribed; (d) it is identical to a known foreign publication.

Pooja Dodd is the head of the trademarks team at LexOrbis.