COLLECTIVE ADMINISTRATION OF COPYRIGHTS (Copyright in India explained)

What is collective administration of copyright?

Collective administration of copyright is a concept where management and protection of copyright in works are undertook by a society of owners of such works. Obviously no owner of copyright in any work can keep track of all the uses others make of his work. When he becomes a member of a national copyright society, that society, because of its organisational facilities and strength, is able to keep a better vigil over the uses made of that work throughout the country and collect due royalties from the users of those works. Because of the country’s membership in international conventions, the copyright societies are able to have reciprocal agreements with similar societies in other countries for collecting royalties for the uses of Indian works in those countries. From this it can automatically be inferred that it will be in the interests of copyright owners to join a collective administration organisation to ensure better protection to the copyright in their works and for reaping optimum economic benefits from their creations. Users of different types of works also find it easy to obtain licences for legal exploitation of the works in question, though the collective administrative society.

What is a copyright society?

A copyright society is a registered collective administration society. Such a society is formed by copyright owners. The minimum membership required for registration of a society is seven. Ordinarily, only one society is registered to do business in respect of the same class of work. A copyright society can issue or grant licences in respect of any work in which copyright subsists or in respect of any other right given by the Copyright Act.

What are the functions of a copyright society?

A copyright society may:

1. Issue licences in respect of the rights administered by the society.
2. Collect fees in pursuance of such licences.
3. Distribute such fees among owners of copyright after making deductions for the administrative expenses.

Are there any registered copyright societies in India?

Yes. The following are the registered copyright societies in India:

1. Society for Copyright Regulation of Indian Producers for Film and Television (SCRIPT) 135 Continental Building, Dr. A.B. Road, Worli, Mumbai 400 018, (for cinematograph and television films).
2. The Indian Performing Right Society Limited (IPRS), 208, Golden Chambers, 2^nd Floor, New Andheri Link Road, Andheri (W), Mumbai- 400 058 (for musical works).
3. Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL) Flame Proof Equipment Building, B.39, Off New Link Road, Andheri (West), Mumbai 400 053 (for sound recordings).

Is it necessary to obtain licences from more than one society for exploitation of a work?

In many cases, it is necessary to obtain licences from more than one society. For example, playing of the sound recording of music may involve obtaining a licence from the IPRS for the public performance of the music as well as a licence from the PPL for playing the records, if these societies have the particular work in their repertoire.

Source: http://copyright.gov.in/documents/handbook.html