9 months ago
India's Music Rights Progress: Royalty Payouts Up, But Compliance Lags
India has made progress in paying songwriters and composers more for their music.
However, most people still don't pay the required royalties.
The Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS) has grown, but many people still don't follow the law.
Some people worry that computers might write music as well as humans in the future.
India's copyright reforms have boosted royalty payouts for songwriters and composers
Nearly 95% of people in public performances still don't pay royalties, says Javed Akhtar
IPRS, representing 19,000 authors and composers, saw collections rise to ₹700 crore in FY25
Compliance remains low, with only 3-5% of people adhering to the law in public performances
AI-generated lyrics and compositions pose a future threat, but current capabilities are limited
- Who
- Songwriters, composers, and music publishers represented by IPRS
- What
- Increased royalty payouts and improved licensing regime
- Where
- India
- When
- Since 2012, with significant growth in recent years
- Why
- To ensure fair compensation for creators and respect for copyright law
Proponents of Current System
Advocates for Further Reform
Royalty Payouts
Proponents of Current System
Have significantly increased since 2012
Advocates for Further Reform
Still not adequate for creators in a streaming-first world
Compliance
Proponents of Current System
Has improved, with 3-5% of people adhering to the law
Advocates for Further Reform
Remains low, with 95% not paying royalties in public performances
AI in Music
Proponents of Current System
Currently limited in creative capabilities
Advocates for Further Reform
Poses a future threat to human creativity in music
Key facts
- IPRS Members
- 19,000 Indian authors, composers, and music publishers
- 2017 Collections
- ₹35-40 crore
- 2022 Collections
- More than ₹300 crore
- FY25 Collections
- Over ₹700 crore
- 2024 CISAC Ranking
- Fourth-largest rights society in Asia-Pacific by revenue
Quotes
Javed Akhtar
Chairman of the Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS), a renowned lyricist, and a veteran of the Indian film industry.
“The battle is far from won, with nearly 95% of people in public performances still not paying royalties.”
CNBC TV 18
“We have this organisation, IPRS, which is recognised by the government. They are controlling that.”
CNBC TV 18
