MUMBAI: Sony/ATV, a music publishing company co-owned by The Michael Jackson Family Trust and Sony Music Global, has entered the Indian market by signing a strategic alliance with Sony Music Entertainment India Pvt. Ltd

Through this joint venture, Sony/ATV will manage Sony Music India's publishing works overseas, while Sony Music India will manage Sony/ATV's International works across four countries -- India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal.

SME India aims to develop the song writing business in the country by increasing awareness of these rights amongst the numerous stakeholders in the industry.

Sony-ATV India operations will focus on signing new talent, ensuring security of IPR for the compositions of its artistes by registering their works with all appropriate collecting societies and agencies.

Speaking on its exclusive tie-up, Sony India and middle-east president Shridhar Subramaniam said, In India, the publishing Industry is at a nascent stage and we are very excited to have entered into a joint venture with Sony ATV to develop this business. Through this venture we will represent their 750, 000 plus global assets in India and Sony ATV will represent Sony Music India musical works internationally. There is a huge opportunity in India and we believe in the span of three years it will constitute a third of the Music Industry in value....

Sony/ATV India is currently in the process of signing various Indian artistes (both new and established) It has already administers over 2000 of Sony Music India's works from Bollywood, Tamil and non-film across International markets.

Sony/ATV Music Publishing SVP Guy Henderson said, India is an extremely vibrant growing music market and there is a huge scope for the publishing business here. We along with Sony Music plan to nurture, develop and grow this segment and we together hope to create some significant revenue opportunities....

As part of its monitoring mechanism, Sony/ATV India will ensure punitive action against those using its music without necessary license.

Sony ATV has various international artistes like Beatles, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Elvis Persley, Shakira, Pitbull, Michael Jackson, Bryan Adams, Beyonce and Lady Gaga.