What IPRS’s Latest Legal Action Means For India’s Music Industry

The Indian Performing Rights Society (IPRS)’s recent move to initiate legal action against multiple hospitality establishments for failing to obtain mandatory music licences is a timely and necessary step. Far from being a seasonal enforcement drive, this action signals something more important: India’s gradual shift towards a more mature, accountable and globally aligned music ecosystem.

IPRS is often mistakenly viewed as a body that represents only Indian composers and lyricists, but its mandate is far broader. Through reciprocal agreements with international collecting societies, IPRS also represents global songwriters and publishers. This means that when a hotel, club or restaurant in India plays an international chart-topper, it is engaging with a complex web of global rights. Ignoring this does not just impact Indian creators; it also raises serious questions about India’s credibility within the international intellectual property community. Over time, such gaps can affect how India is perceived within global frameworks like the Berne Convention and WIPO treaties.

From a legal standpoint, the issue is straightforward. Indian copyright law clearly states that public performance of music for commercial purposes requires a licence. The challenge, however, lies not in the absence of law, but in limited awareness and inconsistent execution. Even today, many businesses fail to understand that music licensing is not a tax or a penalty, but a direct mechanism that supports the livelihood of creators. At the same time, rights bodies must acknowledge the need for stronger education, clearer communication and greater visibility to bridge this understanding gap.

Globally, markets such as Singapore and Malaysia offer useful lessons. Licensed establishments there often display certification stickers, making music licensing a visible and normal part of doing business. India lacks such cues, which could play a powerful role in driving voluntary compliance. Another persistent issue is fragmentation. Businesses are frequently approached by multiple organisations, IPRS for publishing rights, PPL and Novex for sound recordings, and ISRA for performers’ rights. This complexity can be overwhelming, leading to confusion, fatigue and, in some cases, complete disengagement.

Despite having one of the world’s largest music consumption bases, India continues to lag behind even smaller markets when it comes to public performance collections. Unlocking this untapped potential will likely require a more coordinated industry approach, and possibly government or apex-body oversight, to streamline licensing, improve ease of doing business and ensure alignment with global best practices.

The recent injunction sends a clear message: the era of “free” commercial music is coming to an end. More importantly, it creates an opportunity to reset the conversation, one that recognises music as valuable intellectual property and positions India firmly on the path to becoming a true global music powerhouse.