MUMBAI: The International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC) and its 25 international member bodies have applauded the Indian Cabinet's recent approval of changes to the Indian Copyright Act.

The changes to the Indian Copyright Act, 1957 if passed by Parliament, would finally recognise the rights of literary and musical creators whose works are used in Indian films.

The proposed amendments would put an end to a long-standing tradition of film producers and record companies denying rights to these creators. Through the new law, creators would be guaranteed independent rights and a legislative framework allowing the collective management of these rights, including licensing and royalty collection, would be in place.

The Indian film industry is one of the most prolific in the world, producing over 1000 full-length films each year, many of which feature music prominently. Yet unlike other major cinema countries like the USA, France or Japan, film and record producers have been able to exploit the musical works of composers and lyricists on the basis of blanket buyouts that required no further permission from or payments to creators.

CISAC President Robin Gibb says, If you've ever had the pleasure of watching a Bollywood movie, you know what central role music plays in Indian cinema,... said. Music adds true value to Indian film productions and the fact that the authors of these musical works have had their rights taken away and received no subsequent royalties is unconscionable. The Indian Cabinet has taken a major step towards resolving this problem and we hope the Indian Parliament will follow suit....

CISAC and the 2.5 million creators it represents worldwide support the Indian Cabinet's efforts to recognize the rights of composers and lyricists in audiovisual works,... stated. India represents a preeminent cultural force and hopefully the Parliament will ensure that the rights of India's creators are upheld by the law,... CISAC director general Eric Baptiste.

CISAC and its president Robin Gibb as well as its 225 international members praise the Indian Cabinet's approval of long-awaited changes to the 1957 Indian Copyright Act. If passed by Parliament, the modified law would finally recognise the rights of literary and musical creators whose works are used in Indian films.