Amendments to Copyright Act Passed by Indian Senate

May 23, 2012

The historic Copyright (Amendment) Bill was passed unanimously by all members of the Rajya Sabha without opposition.  The Bill designates the authors as the copyright owners which can’t be assigned to producers contrary to the current practice.

The Act makes it mandatory for radio and TV broadcasters to pay royalty to the owners of the copyright each time that work is broadcast, with the copyright board deciding the amount. The Act bans the release of cover versions of any literary, dramatic or musical work within five years of their original publishing.

HRD minister Kapil Sibal said the new law would help artists in their old age when they would reap the rewards of work done during their professional life.  He added, “We have embraced the wisdom of the standing committee in bringing about various provisions of this Bill.”