Copyright Act to be amended

Musicians, lyricists, computer programmers and digital artists are a step closer to getting royalty for commercial use of their work.

Musicians, lyricists, computer programmers and digital artists are a step closer to getting royalty for commercial use of their work.

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The Union Cabinet on Thursday approved the proposal to introduce a Bill to amend the Copyright Act, 1957.

The Human Resource Development Ministry had proposed an amendment to give independent rights to authors of literary and musical work in cinematograph films.

At present, the lyricist or music composer of a song is paid on a one-time basis. They do not get the royalty if their work is used later in any form. Only music companies and the producers get royalty as of now.

“The amendment is a positive step to protect the rights of creative people. All over the world, artists get royalty from the number of times their work is used. But in India, writers and musicians have been getting a raw deal from a cartel of music companies,” said writer Javed Akhtar.

Another amendment will ensure that the royalty from commercial use of songs — in the form of ring tones, internet downloads or the use of songs by radio channels — reaches music composers and writers.

Currently, India does not have provision in the copyright act that covers the digital environment. But an amendment will be made to cover the digital medium and any new technologies of the future.

The amendment will ensure conformity with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Internet Treaties — the WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT), and the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty (WPPT), which have set the international standards in these spheres.

WCT deals with the protection for the authors of literary and artistic work such as writings, computer programs, original databases, musical work, and work of fine art and photographs. WPPT protects certain related rights of the performers and producers of phonograms.

RTE Act to be amended
The Union cabinet also approved the introduction of a Bill to amend the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Act, 2009.

The amendment would mean inclusion of children with disabilities within the ambit of disadvantaged groups. The Act will now include children covered under the National Trust Act and any other legislation, which deal with those suffering from mental as well as physical disorders.