Copyright societies in India, registered under Section 33 (3) of the Copyright Act, 1957, are formed by authors and other owners of various copyrighted works. These societies have various functions such as issuing a license under Section 30 of the Copyright Act, collecting royalties for the Works created and collecting fees with respect to any licenses granted. While copyright societies are well established in India with likes of Indian Performing Rights Society (IPRS) and Recorded Music Performance Limited (RMPL), a new copyright society has now been registered under the Copyright Act, 1957 i.e., the Screenwriters Association of India (SRAI).
The SRAI was formed by veterans of the industry including producers like Anjum Rajabali, Md. Badiuzzaman a.k.a. Zaman Habib and well known poet, writer Javed Akhtar, among others in 2016. The goal among many for the SRAI was to ensure that the various individual rights screenwriters are entitled to are no longer violated. Due to the lack of a unified voice, screenwriters struggled to get due credits and payment for the Works. They were obligated to enter into one-sided agreements with producers, while being highly underpaid and forced to accept low wages, creating an aggressive need for a well-defined framework to protect their creative rights.
SRAI being registered as a copyright society brings a change to this scenario, paving the way to a better future for the screenwriters in India. Among other functions, SRAI can administer licenses, recover fees for such licenses granted and collect royalites owed to the screenwriters. Additionally, it can enter into agreements with various international copyright societies and help screenwriters monetise global opportunities to collaborate with international production houses.
Beyond benefitting screenwriters, the registration of SRAI inspires other associations to collectively work towards safeguarding their creative rights. They can adopt a standardised body, which outlines a standard agreement structure stating the payment terms, allocation of credit, etc. This creates an ethical and healthy environment in the Indian entertainment industry, attracting increased domestic and international collaborations, contributing to the growth and recognition of Indian authors and performers. Apart from global opportunities, a standardised mechanism could promote content production within the territory, elevating the standard set by the authors of India as they will feel heard and protected.
With individual rights now secured after SRAI being registered as a copyright society, does it really offer global opportunities? Will it also open up avenues and encourage other such associations to follow their lead? Only time will tell.
Authors: Mahin Chichkar