The copyright question

Dear Editor,

I had a good time going through the June issue of India Business Law Journal and was impressed with the way it was structured. It is a very informative and thoughtful publication.

I found it interesting to read the news item, Copyright bill gets presidential nod and the court judgment, “Musicians denied rights from radio broadcasts.” Allowing lyricists and music composers to profit from royalties for a song used elsewhere, except as part of a cinematographic film in a cinema hall or during a producer’s promotional campaign, will not only lead to confusion as to its viability but will also create major disagreements between the producer (owner) of the cinematographic film and the people behind its songs.

The court’s judgment in the Indian Performing Rights Society case will undoubtedly lead to controversies over royalty claims and their disbursement. Apart from being broadcast as part of a cinematographic film, songs are aired on the radio, played in discotheques and other entertainment hubs, used for stage or television performances, etc.