What is Copyright Society?
A copyright society is one that generally consists of authors and other copyright holders of works and where copyrights are effectively managed and protected in addition to being collectively administered. Overseeing and controlling the licensing process and royalties collected for works on behalf of the owner is one of the main responsibilities of a copyright society. According to the Indian Copyright Act, no individual or organization may carry out the aforementioned activity without first registering as a society; nevertheless, it does not prohibit the owner from acting in his or her capacity.
In order to carry out the business of granting licenses, collecting and equitably distributing the compensation earned by copyright owners/authors in the form of royalties in a transparent and equitable manner, and with the intention of not becoming detrimental to said member authors' and copyright owners' interests, a copyright collective is a society or association of at least seven members.
Registration of Copyright Societies in India
Section 33 of the Copyright Act, 1957, provides regulations to register a copyright society in India. Any person or association of persons can carry on the business of issuing or granting licenses in respect of artistic, literary, musical, and dramatic works comprised in a sound recording or cinematographic film only by way of registering as a copyright society.
To register the copyright society, any association of persons initially needs to apply for a grant of permission from the Registrar of Copyrights to start the business, and accordingly, the Registrar shall submit the application to the Central Government.
The Central Government has the authority to register an association of persons as a copyright society having the interest of authors and copyright owners, the public convenience, especially those who are likely to seek license, and the competence and professionalism of the applicants.
The Central Government can register only one copyright society to carry on the business, particularly in one class of work. The registration of Copyright Society is valid up to five years and can be renewed before the time period of five years has been lapsed.
The Central Government has the power to cancel the registration of the copyright society if they are convinced that the management of the copyright society has adversely affected the interests of copyright owners and authors.
Various Copyright Societies in India
a) Indian Reprographic Rights Organization
In
accordance with section 33 of the Copyright Act, 1957, the IRRO was established
in the year 2000. It aims to safeguard the rights of publishers and authors of
literary works. The organization holds exclusive rights to commence the
copyright business of reprographic rights for literary works in India. It is recognized
as the only licensing authority that issues licenses to the users of the
copyrighted work of its members along with the collection and distribution of
royalties in the interest of rights holders.
b) Indian Performing Rights Society (IPRS)
The IPRS was formed on August 23, 1969. It is the only organization authorized to grant licenses for the use of musical works in India and represents the interests of music owners, including composers, lyricists (or authors), and music publishers. By granting licenses and collecting payments from users on behalf of IPRS members, music publishers, composers, and authors as it seeks to legalize the usage of copyrighted works. The royalties are disbursed to members following the deduction of IPRS's administrative expenses.
c) Phonographic Performance Limited India (PPL India)
Phonographic Performance Limited India is a performance rights organization established in 1941 that grants licenses to its members for the public use of sound recordings in broadcasting and public performances. Over 400 music labels, representing more than 4.5 million sound recordings both domestically and abroad, have their Public Performance rights owned and/or controlled by PPL.
Conclusion
In India, various copyright societies exist for multiple reasons. For authors and owners whose works are protected under the copyright law, the copyright society is extremely crucial. When it comes to making money, society supports these writers and businesspeople. Being a part of international societies also benefits the owners and authors.
Collecting royalties and taking appropriate action against any infringement in various copyrighted works are the goals of copyright societies. As a result, many copyright societies assist copyright holders in establishing connections with other nations. Therefore, copyright societies are crucial in helping copyright owners connect with businesspeople and generate revenue.
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