Music Licensing | Intellepedia

Old Music, New Platforms, No Rights: 1977 Bhikari Bal Odia Music Agreement Limitations

In a dispute concerning copyright in Odia devotional music, the Calcutta High Court declined interim protection to the petitioner who claimed exclusive rights in the song “Sathi Pauti Bhoga” through agreements with Bhikari Bal and Radhanath Das. The court held that the agreements were of limited duration, royalty obligations were not fulfilled, and allegations of forgery raised serious questions of fact.

Music Creation and Copyright Transfers

A flat digital illustration shows two hands playing a small keyboard, with a floating orange music note and soundwave above. To the right, there is a large “TRANSFER COPYRIGHT” document featuring a treble clef, signature line, copyright symbol, and a pen, symbolizing music creation and copyright transfer.

In the case of Rajesh Jhaveri v. Saregama India Limited & Anr., the Bombay High Court dismissed a bid for interim injunction restraining Saregama from exploiting songs from three albums. The Court held that assignment agreements executed in the late 1980s granted broad rights to exploit the works “by any and every means w

Compulsory Music License for Events: Delhi HC Rules Against PPL’s Licensing Practices

Image shows corporate event in a banquet hall, where people are dressed in business attire, having drinks and enjoying music.

In a case between Al Hamd Tradenation and PPL, the Delhi High Court ruled that Al Hamd is entitled to a compulsory license because PPL refused to grant a license for a small event at a reasonable fee. The Court stated that Section 31(1)(a) applies to all works, including sound recordings. It observed that demanding an unreasonably high fee constitutes a refusal to license. The Court will now decide the appropriate royalty and licensing conditions.

Are you playing it Safe? Court encourages settlement in a music licensing case.

The Delhi High Court encouraged settlement in a dispute between PPL and Neb Sports over alleged unlicensed public performance of sound recordings at sporting events. The case highlights the importance of copyright compliance for event organisers in India.

Use of Music in Salons and Ads

Recent court decisions have strengthened music copyright enforcement against salons and advertisers in India. Businesses are advised to secure licences or use public domain music to comply with legal requirements.

Copyrighted Music in Wedding functions: Court orders deposit for Sangeet and Cocktail Parties

The Delhi High Court ordered a deposit for playing copyrighted music during sangeet and cocktail parties, addressing legal exemptions under Indian copyright law. This post examines the Court’s reasoning and the implications for music use at wedding functions.

Music Licensing Business By PPL & Novex is Valid Though They Are Not Copyright Societies

The Bombay High Court held that PPL and Novex may validly license sound recordings even though they are not registered copyright societies. Section 33 does not restrict copyright owners or their assignees from granting licenses for sound recordings under Indian law.

Copyrighted Music in Restaurants, Unlicensed Movies, and Storytelling Platforms

This post analyses recent copyright cases in India, covering unlicensed music in restaurants, unauthorized movie broadcasts, and legal boundaries for storytelling platforms. It highlights the necessity of proper licensing and careful risk assessment to avoid copyright liability.

Delhi High Court seeks Prof. Arul George Scaria’s Opinion on use of Music in Marriage Ceremonies

The Delhi High Court has requested Professor Arul George Scaria’s expert opinion on whether music use in marriage ceremonies is exempt under Section 52 of the Copyright Act. This decision will have important consequences for music licensing and copyright enforcement in India.

Saregama and Triller Enter into Global Music Licensing Deal, TikTok inks Licensing deal in South Africa, Maharashtra Govt.’s Guidelines for E-Commerce and Food Delivery Firms and more.

The post reviews new music licensing deals involving Saregama, Triller, and TikTok, alongside Maharashtra’s updated guidelines for e-commerce and food delivery services. It further explores key trends and regulatory changes shaping India’s e-commerce landscape.