The Indian Performing Rights Society Ltd (IPRS) has invited a new member into its fold — T-Series.
The music label, led by Bhushan Kumar, will provide the society with its own vast catalogue of over 2,00,000 titles, including 50,000 music videos, and 15,000 hours of compositions across Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Punjabi, Haryanvi, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam and Oriya.
IPRS is India’s only copyright society registered under the Copyright Act, 1957, and counts more than 5,000 of India’s best-known authors, composers and music publishers among its members.
IPRS is authorized under section 33 of the Copyright Act to carry on the business of issuing and granting licences in respect of musical and literary works assigned to it by its members.
The society also manages and distributes statutory royalties for the distribution and exploitation of these works when used in live performances or sound recordings.
In November 2019, IPRS filed a first information report (FIR) against Yash Raj Films over Rs100 crore in unpaid royalties. It is not known if the dispute has been settled.
IPRS chairman and lyricist Javed Akhtar said, “I see this as a homecoming for T-Series and thank Mr Bhushan Kumar and the T-Series family from the bottom of my heart for entrusting IPRS with its copyright catalogue once again. This is a win-win proposition for T-Series and for our author and music composer members who will benefit tremendously. The entire music industry is united today in its determination that creators, music businesses all will work together for the common cause. I am joined by my fellow directors of IPRS in saying I also look forward to welcoming Mr Bhushan Kumar on the board of IPRS.”
T-Series chairman and managing director Bhushan Kumar responded, "Copyright is in the heart and soul of what T-Series creates. Our joining IPRS is a logical progression for the company. We took this decision in the interest of the entire music industry — today the entire industry, creators, music businesses, all united, represent a seamless coalition of stakeholders contributing to our country’s progress and working together in our common interest. T-Series will bring more value to IPRS and its members. We look forward to IPRS growing even more with our support in the future so that it can benefit the creator community and the industry even more.”
Devraj Sanyal, managing director and chief executive officer, Universal Music Group, India and South Asia, added, “For great change to effectively happen in the publishing business of the Indian music industry, you need all the major players to band together to push the agenda of fairness, transparency and equitable remuneration for both owner publishers and our respected author composers. Now with my dear friend Bhushan and teams from T-Series joining us in IPRS, that day is here. With Javed saheb, Bhushan, and all my fellow board members, I’m sure we will now see a golden age dawn for creators and copyright owners.”
Rakesh Nigam, CEO of IPRS, said, “I am delighted that T-Series is joining IPRS. This will benefit the authors and music composer members of IPRS tremendously. T-Series is not only a market leader in music and film, but it is also a hugely successful incubation lab and proving ground for many young talented creators, all of whom will benefit from their association with IPRS as well.”