India is updating its copyright rules to make licence payments online and mandatory. This is a good step forward because it can bring more money to artists and reduce delays. But there are still problems in the draft that can cause artists to lose income. Click here to learn how to monetize your beats.
What’s Good
- The idea of online licence payments is positive.
- It can reduce delays and stop money from getting lost in the system.
The Problems
1. Films and Visuals Left Out
The new rules don’t clearly cover films and visual content.
- On OTT platforms like Netflix or Jio Cinema, music and film are sold together.
- If the rules don’t include visuals, payments can get messy and artists may lose money.
2. Who Is Responsible?
The rules don’t say who should make sure artists are paid.
- Is it the creator (songwriter, composer)?
- Or is it the copyright society (like IPRS/PPL)?
Without clarity, everyone blames each other and artists wait longer for money.
3. Licence Fee ≠ Royalty
The rules mix up licence fee and royalty.
- Royalty: A percentage you keep earning whenever your work is used (example: every stream, every play).
- Licence fee: A one-time payment, no matter how much the work is used.
If licence fees replace royalties, artists will get less money in the long run. Click here to understand Master Rights & Publishing Rights.
4. The “Notwithstanding” Clause
The draft uses legal wording called “notwithstanding.”
This can cancel or override older rules that protect creators. It’s like saying “forget everything written before this line.” That’s risky for artists.
Why Artists Should Care
- If films and visuals are not included, big payments from OTTs and TV may slip away.
- If responsibility is not clear, your royalty may get stuck.
- If licence fees replace royalties, you will earn less as your song grows.
Final Word
India’s copyright reforms are moving in the right direction but unless these gaps are fixed, artists may continue losing a big share of their earnings.
A good copyright system should:
- Cover both music and visuals.
- Make it clear who is responsible for paying.
- Keep royalties separate from licence fees.
- Protect old rights instead of overriding them.
In short: A digital system should pay artists fairly, not confuse or delay payments. Click here to start selling your beats on Beat22.com.
