Madras HC moved against Sony Music over Commercially Exploiting Ilaiyaraaja’s Work without Consent
Madras HC moved against Sony Music over Commercially Exploiting Ilaiyaraaja’s Work without Consent
The next hearing is scheduled for November 19 with the composer allowed to continue his legal battle against the makers of the film Dude running successfully in theatres wherein the composer’s song is used.
Renowned music composer Ilaiyaraaja has moved the Madras High Court, alleging commercial exploitation of his works by major music labels Sony Music Entertainment India and others.
The companies have been monetising across various social and digital platforms like Instagram, Twitter and Facebook by adapting and publishing his original work without authorisation, Ilaiyaraaja alleged.
Royalties were also claimed by the composer against this infringement by the music companies.
Ilaiyaraaja’s counsel, senior advocate S Prabakaran, on September 26, argued it is an absolute infringement under the Copyright Act as the companies never had any agreement either with the composer or with the producers of the movies from which his originally composed songs have been taken.
Appearing on behalf of the music companies, Senior advocate Vijay Narayan, contradicted this, stating that Sony Music Entertainment had lawfully acquired these rights through agreements with other record owners.Narayan further pointed out that a similar case was filed by the composer and is pending in the Bombay High Court.
The Court directed the music companies to file their submission on October 22 and not to seek any further adjournments or delay the filings.
In his order dated September 26, Justice N Senthilkumar, also asked the music companies to submit the day-to-day revenue collection made by broadcasting or telecasting the musical work of the composer.
According to a leading daily, the hearing concluded with the music label being asked to submit details of its income derived from the commercial use of the composer’s catalogue under its name. The next hearing is scheduled for November 19 with the composer allowed to continue his legal battle against the makers of the film Dude running successfully in theatres wherein the composer’s song is used.
