Meeting Called Between Copyright Entities, Music Users

The Union Commence and Industry Ministry has called a meeting at Udyog Bhavanto discuss issues related to single and multiple copyright societies, according to a ministry statement.

Talks will be held between societies and music users after copyright entities like Novex Communications took legal action against hotels, pubs and restaurants for playing music without taking their permission.

There are several agencies like Phonographic Performance Ltd (PPL) India, Novex Communications, Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS) and the Indian Singers' Rights Association (ISRA).

PPL and Novex together have copyrights to more than three million songs.

While hotels have demanded a single body, according to Novex Communications, the court has given a number of injunctions and taken action against clubs as well as hotels for playing music without their permission.

“It means we are on the right side of the law. Also, a single society will mean making it a monopoly, which is again not right in the court of law. We are sure the government understands it and we will make our points,” Novex Communications said.

Incidentally, Novex Communications and PPL have taken several legal actions against hotels. After failing to get relief from court, hotel associations have sought the ministry's help. Due to injunctions, they are not able to play several hit numbers.