Google Deals Licensing with IPRS on YouTube Music

IPRS is a registered copyright society in India and is the country’s only copyright society, registered under the Copyright Act of 1957, authorized to carry out the copyright business in respect of musical works and literary works (lyrics), associated with musical works and members comprising of author (lyricists), music Composers and music publishers.

Indian Performing Right Society Limited has granted a license to Google, allowing the company to utilise its members’ collection across YouTube and related services in the country, the tech giant said in a statement. The IPRS is a representative body of owners of music, including composers, lyricists and the publishers of music, and is also the sole authorized body to issue licenses to permit usage of the music within India by any person. A Google statement said that IPRS and Google have concluded music licensing deal for India.

IPRS chairman Javed Akhtar said on a report, “The IPRS-Google agreement is a historic milestone for Indian authors and music composers as well as music publishers. I congratulate and thank Google for backing Indian artistes, music publishers and the creative fraternity in such a strong way in India. This is the beginning of a very strong relationship with Google. IPRS is determined to ensure that this relationship augers well and proves beneficial to the creative fraternity in India. YouTube has a strong and pioneering role to play in encouraging creators and connecting them with markets and users. This deal between IPRS and Google for its YouTube and other related services will provide benefits to creators and members of IPRS in a tangible and meaningful way.

IPRS Director and Saregama India CEO Vikram Mehra stated, “This is an extremely positive development. The deal between IPRS and Google for its YouTube and other related services will surely strengthen the copyright ecosystem in India. Indian Artistes will recognize value from the exploitation of their creations and this arrangement will yield more value for all IPRS members.”

PRS CEO Rakesh Nigam stated, “The IPRS agreement with Google is nothing short of historic. IPRS and its members will benefit greatly from the arrangement with Google. IPRS licensing reach has significantly increased as a registered copyright society and its mandate to function efficiently and transparently vis-à-vis licensees, members and the public. This is another step to ensure IPRS’ standing as the preeminent copyright society in India.”

"This is yet another step in YouTube's ongoing commitment to ensuring that writers, composers and publishers continue to be paid fairly, and that our users are able to enjoy their favorite songs and discover new music on YouTube," Christophe Muller, Global Head of Music Licensing, at YouTube said.He added that the agreement with IPRS will bring more value to songwriters and artists, and deliver an strong experience to music fans in India. 

Javed Akhtar, Chairman of IPRS, termed the agreement a historic milestone for Indian authors and music composers as well as music publishers.