MUMBAI:  In response to the injunction orders obtained by IMI to combat piracy a month back, series of unlicensed music websites are approaching them to seek Internet licenses.

The Indian Music Industry (IMI) had recently obtained mandatory injunction orders from the Kolkata High Court (dated January 27, February 6, March 1 & March 2) directing 388 Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to block 104 Music Copyright Infringing websites within 36 hours of the date of the intimation.

One of the listed websites, SmasHits.com, has recently acquired the Internet licence from PPL, according to a recent statement issued by the company. SmasHits.com managing director and founder Abhesh Verma has been in discussion with PPL for some time and successfully obtained the license, establishing a strong foundation for future growth in partnership with the Indian Music Industry. Verma said, “We completely endorse and support the IMI activity towards eradicating piracy.”

Commenting on the development, IMI president Vijay Lazarus said, “Piracy is an impending problem for India’s media and entertainment industry, causing losses of about $4 billion every year due to copyright infringement. We are delighted to note that IMI has managed to create a positive stir in the industry by driving awareness on the significance of obtaining the right licences.This is yet another milestone achieved by us and gives us the added confidence to continue with our fight against Piracy.”

Commenting on this initiative, IMI secretary general Savio D'Souza said, “We have had many enquiries in the last few days from several unlicensed websites to initiate the process of obtaining licences. IMI has been consistently attempting to eradicate Piracy. This is a very positive development and is likely to have a ripple effect. We are very pleased to extend the licences to any unlicensed websites allowing them to legally run their operations.”