The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
MUMBAI, APRIL 11, 2025
In a significant stride for India’s creative and entertainment sector, the Indian Performing Right Society Ltd. (IPRS) hosted an exclusive closed-door roundtable in Mumbai, marking the first official visit to India by Sylvie Forbin, Deputy Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The event served as a pivotal moment in global intellectual property dialogue, bringing together a distinguished assembly of lyricists, composers, screenwriters, music labels, publishers, legal experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to deliberate on the critical importance of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in the modern creative ecosystem.
Chaired by eminent lyricist, poet, and IPRS Chairman Javed Akhtar, the roundtable underscored the evolving challenges and opportunities that the digital age and artificial intelligence present to the global creative community. The discussion focused on the urgent need for robust IP frameworks that not only protect creators’ rights but also drive innovation, support equitable remuneration, and foster a thriving cultural economy.
Speaking on the occasion, Sylvie Forbin lauded India’s proactive stance on technological transitions in the creative field. She emphasized the resilience and adaptability of the Indian music industry in embracing digital transformation, highlighting the country’s awareness of what is required to navigate the AI revolution. Forbin expressed her enthusiasm to collaborate with Indian creators in shaping regulatory, technological, and business responses that ensure both innovation and protection. “Long life to Indian music!” she concluded, celebrating the enduring spirit of the nation’s creative voices.
Javed Akhtar reflected on the broader significance of the meeting, stating that the conversation extended beyond the realms of copyright and royalties to affirm the central role of creators in shaping cultural narratives. He reiterated IPRS’s commitment to championing fair pay, stronger copyright enforcement, and future-ready legal frameworks that uphold the dignity and contributions of artists in a rapidly changing world.
Adding further depth to the dialogue, Zaman Habib, General Secretary of the Screenwriters Association, acknowledged the importance of having WIPO at the table. He commended IPRS for facilitating a space where stakeholders from across the industry could unite in advocating for creator rights and international collaboration. Sridhar J Swaminathan, Secretary of SIMCA, echoed these sentiments, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to engage with global thought leaders and amplify Indian perspectives on IP protection.
The roundtable featured an impressive array of participants including Rakesh Nigam, CEO of IPRS; Blaise Fernandes, President & CEO of the Indian Music Industry; Sanjay Tandon, CEO of ISAMRA; Atul Churamani, Founder and MD of Turnkey Music & Publishing; Dinraj Shetty, MD of Sony Music Publishing; Vipin Mishra of MCAI; Ameet Dutta, Founder of ADP Law; and acclaimed artists like Salim Merchant, Kausar Munir, Sneha Khanwalkar, and Vishal Dadlani. Their collective presence signaled a powerful confluence of artistry, policy, and law, unified in the pursuit of a stronger, more inclusive intellectual property environment.
