In a significant development, the Indian Performing Rights Society (IPRS) has on 21.01.2025 received its renewal certificate of registration under Section 33 of the Copyright Act, 1957. The certificate, issued by the Registrar of Copyrights, is valid for a period of five years starting 28.11.2022. This renewal ensures IPRS’s continued authority as a copyright society managing the rights in musical and literary works associated with musical compositions.
The earlier certificate, issued on 28.11.2017, had expired on 28.11.2022, as highlighted in our earlier post. The retrospective effective date of the renewal comes as a major relief for IPRS. Without it, there could have been significant legal and operational challenges, including disputes over the validity of licenses issued by IPRS during the period without a valid registration certificate in view of the proviso to Section 33(1) which provides that “Provided further that the business of issuing or granting license in respect of literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works incorporated in a cinematograph films or sound recordings shall be carried out only through a copyright society duly registered under this Act“. Such a scenario could have led to uncertainty and disruptions across the music industry.
This renewal strengthens the position of IPRS as a key institution in the Indian music industry, allowing it to continue issuing licenses and collecting royalties for its members, which include composers, lyricists, and publishers. It also ensures that the rights of its members are safeguarded without interruption.
The renewal of the registration certificate not only provides a legal foundation for IPRS’s operations but also reinforces confidence in the collective management of copyright. It is a crucial step forward in fostering a more robust and compliant ecosystem for copyright management in India.
