Government proposes changes in copyright rules, may benefit websites, music streaming firms
New Delhi: The government is proposing a mechanism to ensure that songs and videos reach maximum number of people at an affordable price, which in case of dispute may be fixed by a quasi-judicial body Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB).
These changes are proposed in the Copyright (Amendment) Rules, 2019, the draft of which has been made public by the commerce and industry ministry for stake holders' views and comments till June 29.
Once the changes are approved, it would become easier for websites, portals and music streaming firms to buy contents (songs and videos) and upload them.
However, the move could hurt the commercial interest of content owners of songs and videos.
Currently, the Act covers only radio, and TV broadcast firms are allowed to take permission from the owners and negotiate a price bilaterally or through IPAB under Section 31D of the Act.
Now, the draft rule proposes to cover companies operating through digital mode like websites and music streaming firms.
"In order to ensure smooth and flawless compliance of Copyright Act in the light of technological advancement in digital era and to bring them in parity with other relevant legislations, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has now proposed to introduce the Copyright Amendment Rules, 2019," an official statement said.
The copyright regime is governed by the Copyright Act, 1957, and the Copyright Rules, 2013. The rules were last amended in 2016.
An official source said that although the Act provides protection and rights to the content owners but at the same time, it is their responsibility to make available that content to more and more people at affordable prices.
"The content owners should not have the sole monopoly over the content and it should reach more and more people," the source said.
An expert said that to implement the proposal, the government would also have to amend the Copyright Act.
Amit Dutta, partner, Saikrishna Associates, said the Act only talks about radio, television and not about any other mode of communication.
The government will have to amend the Act to give effect to the amendments being proposed in the rules.
"The proposed changes are against the interest of song and video content owners. There is a high court ruling also in the favour of the owners," Dutta said.
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Two arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting woman at knifepoint in Kochi
Kochi (PTI): Two persons have been arrested after a three-member gang allegedly sexually assaulted a woman at knifepoint near Ernakulam Junction Railway station, officials said on Friday.
The arrested accused were identified as Danish (26), a native of Varkala in Thiruvananthapuram district, and Rahul (39), a native of Paravoor in Kollam district.
Police officials said they were searching for the prime accused, Sanjay, a native of Aroor in Alappuzha district.
According to police, the incident occurred on the night of May 5 when the victim was chatting with her friend near a closed hotel near Ernakulam Junction Railway station.
Officials said the accused approached them, attacked the victim’s friend and then allegedly threatened the woman with a knife before sexually assaulting her.
Police said the accused also allegedly disrobed the victim during the attack.
However, the woman managed to escape from the spot and approached a nearby shop for help.
Police were informed immediately and shifted the victim to the police station.
Officials said the accused were heavily drunk at the time of the incident and went into hiding soon after the attack.
Police registered a case on May 6 under charges including rape, disrobing a woman, criminal intimidation and robbery.
The two accused were later arrested in the city, while efforts are continuing to trace Sanjay, police said.
The accused were produced before a court and remanded to judicial custody.
