INDIAN PERFORMING RIGHT SOCIETY LTD. vs EASTERN INDIA MOTION PICTURES ASSOCIATION

The Supreme Court addressed the applicability of the Copyright Act, 1957, specifically sections 2(r), 13, 17, and 34, regarding the rights of composers and lyricists in relation to cinematograph films. The Court held that unless a contract states otherwise, a composer does not automatically acquire copyright in their compositions for films, as the film producer becomes the first owner under section 17. The Court affirmed the Copyright Board's decision that the appellant society could grant licenses for public performance of music in soundtracks of copyrighted films and collect fees accordingly.