Ilaiyaraaja moves to Madras HC against Sony Music over commercially exploiting his work without consent
Ilaiyaraaja Copyright Case Against Sony Music: Ilaiyaraaja alleged the music companies have been monetising across social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter and Facebook by adapting and publishing his original work without authorisation.
Ilaiyaraaja Copyright Case Against Sony Music: Renowned music composer Ilaiyaraaja has moved the Madras High Court, alleging commercial exploitation of his works by major music labels Sony Music Entertainment India and others.
The veteran composer alleged that the companies have been monetising across various social and digital platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook by adapting and publishing his original work without authorisation.
The composer has also claimed royalties against this infringement by the music companies.
His counsel, senior advocate S Prabakaran, on September 26, argued that the companies never had any agreement either with the composer or with the producers of the movies from which his originally composed songs have been taken, and hence it is an absolute infringement under the Copyright Act.
Senior advocate Vijay Narayan, appearing on behalf of the music companies, countered this, stating Sony Music Entertainment had lawfully acquired these rights through agreements with other record owners, dismissing any claim of copyright infringement.
It was further pointed out by Narayan that a similar case was filed by the composer and is pending in the Bombay High Court.
The music companies were asked to file their submission on October 22 and directed not to seek any further adjournments or delay the filings.
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Justice N Senthilkumar, in his order dated September 26, also asked the music companies to submit the day to day revenue collection made by broadcasting or telecasting the musical work of the composer.
According to the Times of India reports, the hearing that happened on Wednesday saw arguments from both parties, with Ilaiyaraaja’s team arguing that Sony had still not responded to the issue and that the filmmakers were still using the song in the film Dude, which is running successfully in theatres.
The music label was asked by the high court to submit the details of their income derived from the commercial use of Illayaraja’s catalogue under their name. The hearing was then posted on November 19, with Ilaiyaraaja permitted to continue his legal battle against the makers of Dude.
Richa Sahay is a Legal Correspondent for The Indian Express, where she focuses on simplifying the complexities of the Indian judicial system. A law postgraduate, she leverages her advanced legal education to bridge the gap between technical court rulings and public understanding, ensuring that readers stay informed about the rapidly evolving legal landscape.
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