RS clears Copyright Bill

The Bill,moved by HRD Minister Kapil Sibal,also seeks to bring laws enacted in 1957 in conformity with international norms and World Intellectual Property Organisation.

The Copyright Bill,2010,was passed by the Upper House on Thursday,paving the way to remove operational difficulties and address newer issues related to the digital world and Internet.

The Bill,moved by HRD Minister Kapil Sibal,also seeks to bring laws enacted in 1957 in conformity with international norms and World Intellectual Property Organisation.

Replying to the debate,Sibal said that a clause with a provision of giving royalty to the principal director of a film has been dropped in keeping with the suggestion of the Parliamentary Standing Committee. The government wanted to actually give this right over royalty to the principle director. He is perhaps the principal creator. But there was a feeling expressed by the Parliamentary Standing Committee that time is not ripe to give that right. So,we are dropping the same, he said.

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Initiating the discussion,lyricist and nominated member Javed Akhtar complained that companies have sway over songs,and writers and singers do not get much from the commercial success.

Actor and Samajwadi Party member Jaya Bachchan spoke about widespread prevalence of piracy of songs and music and urged that the Bill should address the issue.