Landmark Ruling: Calcutta High Court Upholds Music Royalty Rights

The Calcutta High Court ruled against Vodafone Idea Ltd in a dispute over music royalties, requiring an agreement with the Indian Performing Right Society Limited for caller tunes. The judgment emphasized amendments to the Copyright Act that protect owners of literary and musical rights, ensuring fair compensation.

The Calcutta High Court dismissed Vodafone Idea Limited's appeals in a music royalties dispute, mandating agreements with the Indian Performing Right Society Limited (IPRS) for songs offered as caller tunes or ringtones. The court concluded that a separate IPRS license is necessary for underlying literary and musical works.

A division bench maintained that the 2012 Copyright Act amendments protect music owners' rights, allowing IPRS to claim royalties on commercially exploited works. This underscores the insufficient protection provided by Vodafone's agreements with Saregama India Ltd.

IPRS Chairman Javed Akhtar hailed the ruling as a milestone that underscores the value and fair compensation for creators. Despite losing, Vodafone Idea did not provide immediate comments, while IPRS reaffirmed its commitment to enforce licensing rights.