The Indian Performing Rights Society (IPRS) and KOMCA (Korea Music Copyright Association) have signed an MOU, whereby KOMCA and IPRS join hands to organize events that aim to enhance awareness, knowledge, and collaboration in the field of copyright (e.g. seminar on the latest copyright issues for the music industry), music creation (e.g. song-writing camp), and collective management (e.g. sharing experiences on best practices) for music creators. Fostering cross-border music between India and Korea.
Music is the core cultural wealth of nations like India and Korea with melody being at the heart of popular music. Indian music with its legendary legacy emanating from its various regions has been a top draw across the world. Blessed with catchy rhythms and chorus sections like Indian music, Korean Pop music is globally, well-received and amenable to blending with Indian music in its true elements. This, we believe, is just the beginning of a deeper association between the music talents of the two countries and will add a slew of listeners, consequently upping revenues. Given the open world we inhabit, it is in the best interest of the creators on both sides to be cognizant of their rights to maximize their earning potential. The MOU’s intent to arm the creators with this basic know-how has to be viewed in this light.
With the IPRS ever alert to widening the reach of the Indian music industry, it was only a matter of time before a solid MOU between the two associations came to fruition. The MOU is the true harbinger of an expansion phase that will give the music industry a wider spectrum. IPRS members and other Indian artists are also in line for better royalties, recognition and newer opportunities with this new development.
Javed Akhtar, legendary lyricist, screenwriter, poet, and Chairman of IPRS, expressed his satisfaction with the same, stating, “The recently established collaboration with KOMCA ushers in a transformative period, encouraging a dynamic interchange of creation between India and Korea. Our narrative revolves around breaking down barriers, creating opportunities, and envisioning a world where creators and creativity flourish. We look forward to more collaborative initiatives for our members in the near future. “
Commenting on the same, Mr. Rakesh Nigam, CEO of IPRS, shared his thoughts on the collaboration, stating, “The MOU with KOMCA represents a pivotal step in fostering a dynamic cross-cultural music exchange between India and Korea. This collaboration symbolizes our commitment to nurturing creativity while ensuring creators’ rights are protected. The MOU is poised to be a pivotal step in creating a transformative journey that opens up new avenues for creative partnerships and innovation among our esteemed creator members.”
Mr. Giseob You, General Manager of KOMCA, shared his views stating “KOMCA x IPRS MOU paves the path towards a stronger bond between the two societies. Korea Music Copyright Association (KOMCA) and IPRS, representing the author-composers of two musically rich countries, will now work together to spread awareness on creators’ rights and create new opportunities for the promising talent of both countries through music collaborations and partnerships.”
IPRS is the Music Copyright Society in India registered under the Copyright Act, 1957 representing the authors, composers, and publishers of music. It counts more than 13,000 of India’s best-known authors, composers, and music publishers as its members. IPRS is authorized under the Copyright Act, 1957 to carry on the business of issuing and granting of licenses in respect of musical works and literary works associated with musical works assigned to it by its members. These revenues are collected and distributed to its members including the authors’ statutory royalties after deducting its administrative expenses for the exploitation of the works either by way of live performances and/or sound recordings through any medium except when shown as a part of a cinematograph film shown in a cinema hall.
The Asia-Pacific Music Creators Alliance (APMA), as part of the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC), is actively dedicated to furthering the advancement of the copyright market in the Asia-Pacific region. Under the guidance of APMA Chairman Mr. Myung Sun Yoon, the alliance has undertaken diverse initiatives to foster copyright awareness and enhance the working conditions of underdeveloped organizations within the music industry.
The initiatives and events by APMA provide platforms for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and the formulation of strategies to further propel copyright development in the Asia-Pacific region. APMA’s commitment to the promotion and amelioration of the copyright market in the Asia-Pacific region is evident through its donation initiatives, studies on income distribution in the streaming market, and exploration of emerging trends like artificial intelligence. By advocating for fair remuneration for musical work creators and raising copyright awareness, APMA is actively contributing to the growth and sustainability of the music industry in the region.
CISAC – the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers – is the world’s leading network of authors’ societies (also referred to as Collective Management Organizations, or CMOs). CISAC protects the rights and represents the interests of creators worldwide. With 225 member societies in 116 countries, CISAC represents over four million creators of music, audio-visual, drama, literature, and visual arts.
