IPRS

Understanding the IPRS Music System: A Composer’s Guideline and Framework

Indian Performance Rights Society (IPRS) Is one of the most recognized organizations in the Indian music industry aimed at the legal protection of composers, song writers and publishers Understanding IPRS music policy is of significance for musicians, composers and issues that they create intending to protect their work, earn money in royalties and right usage. This blog will explain IPRS and its policies in the industry.

What is IPRS?

IPRS also known as Indian Performing Right Society is a formed body since 1969. It looks after the rights of its members which range from music composers, song writers among others IPRS is responsible for granting license of music and ensures that on every occasion when their music is played, recorded, aired or reviewed there is compensation.

Main objectives of IPRS

Copyright Protection: IPRS helps protect the rights of musicians as per the Copyright Amendment Act 2012 in India. It safeguards the intellectual property rights of citizens and acts on their behalf in courts.

Royalty Collection: IPRS leans on collecting royalties from many angles and then shares out the funds which have been called royalties to the police.

Licensing: IPRS grants permission to utilize copyrighted music to certain businesses and organizations engaged in activities in which music is utilized.

Upholding ‘Fair Use’ of copyrighted works: It is IPRS efforts to prevent copyright infringement and therefore encourage fair use of music. This helps protect the interests of the artists.

How Do IPRS Work?

The functioning of IPRS is primarily to license to various users of music, such as radio and television stations, hotels, restaurants, event organizers, and the internet. These licenses permit the concerned organizations to play or transmit any of the music owned by IPRS members. In return, such entities are required to pay certain charges, which IPRS collects and pays to its members as royalties.

List of Various Licenses Offered by IPRS

IPRS has established different categories of licenses depending on the nature of the intended use of music:

Broadcasting License: Applicable to radio stations, TV stations and other broadcasting outlets.

Public-seating License: For establishments like hotels, restaurants, and bars or events where music is played to the general public.

Digital Licensing: For websites, services, and applications that incorporate music.

Mechanical: For activities that include the recording of music on physical discs like CD’s, DVD’s, etc.

Royalty Distribution

The royalties received by the IPRS from the usages of the member’s works are shared among the members of IPRS in accordance with the amount used by the work. Distribution occurs every three months in a bid to allow the members to receive their due proportion frequently. The extent of royalty within a member depends on, among other things, how many times a particular work is utilized and what is its mode of application

Membership and Benefits

In order for composers, lyricists, and publishers alike to take advantage of the policies issued by the IPRS, they are obliged to gain membership in the said organization. The acquisition of the membership to the organization has the following advantages:

Royalty Collection: Public performance and broadcasting of their works earns members royalties.

Legal Protection: To promote the interests of the members IPRS also offers to its members legal services.

Global Reach: Members of IPRS can also receive royalties for the use of their works outside the country due to reciprocal treaties that IPRS has with other performing right societies.

Transparency: Members are provided with usage and earnings reports of their works in detail.

Compliance and Enforcement

IPRS takes definite measures in relation to its policy and compliance with the policy is ensured. This involves the detection of all programs, live performances, plays, and even online content for music that has been used without permission. Should the need arise, IPRS is accountable in protecting the rights of its members within legal boundaries in the case of infringement.

How to Become an IPRS Member

The procedures for joining IPRS are very simple to follow:

Application: In the case of individual applicants, they may access the IPRS website or make a visit at the IPRS offices and apply for membership.

Documentation: Evidence supporting authorship or ownership of the respective music works that the applicant intends to register is mandatory.

Approval: Full rights and privileges for membership are resorted to and exercised when application for membership including requisite documentation is positively placed before the IPRS Council and approved..