Harshita Nahar, BA LLB, KIIT School of Law, Bhubaneswar
ABSTRACT
The Indian Copyright Act of 1957 serves as the melody for protecting creativity in the music industry. Since “copyright” is an amalgamation made up of the words “copy” and “right,” it can also be used to describe the legal and exclusive rights of the person or organization that is the owner of creative intellectual property (IP). It safeguards original musical works, including compositions, lyrics, and even sound recordings. Copyright vests with the creators – composers, lyricists, and producers – automatically upon creation, without formal registration (though registration strengthens legal claims). This copyright grants exclusive rights. Creators control the reproduction, distribution, performance, and adaptation of their music. India’s music business is a thriving, multifaceted sector that is firmly anchored in the nation’s rich cultural legacy and modern artistic manifestations. The production, distribution, and consumption of music are all being revolutionized by digital technology, and copyright law is playing a more and bigger role in defending the rights of all parties involved. This paper provides an overview of the copyright landscape in the Indian music industry, examining key challenges and developments. The paper begins with the meaning of copyright and the treaties that laid the foundation for intellectual property rights. Further, it delves into the relevant sections of the Copyright Act, of 1957, and analyzes the need for copyright protection in the music industry, its impact, and the road ahead. Technology breakthroughs and creators’ rights have coexisted peacefully to create opportunities and challenges. Today’s technology allows hundreds of people to access and use songs uploaded online. As a result, such music is more inclined to be exploited and infringe upon the rights of their legitimate owners.
Keywords: copyright, musical work, reproduction, technology
Comments