IPRS Hosts Landmark Intellectual Property Dialogue In Collaboration With WIPO

In a landmark moment for India’s entertainment and creative industry, the Indian Performing Right Society Ltd. (IPRS) hosted an exclusive closed-door roundtable in Mumbai with Sylvie Forbin, Deputy Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), during her first official visit to India. The high-level gathering convened prominent voices from India’s music and entertainment industry, including lyricists, composers, screenwriters, music labels, publishers, legal experts, industry bodies and policymakers, to deliberate on the far-reaching role of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in safeguarding creativity, driving innovation, and shaping future frameworks in the age of AI and digital transformation.

The session, chaired by legendary lyricist, poet, author and IPRS Chairman Javed Akhtar, served as a strategic platform for dialogue on the global and national relevance of IP rights. It underscored the need for stronger IP ecosystems that not only protect rights but also foster a sustainable creative economy.

“The music industry has always been at the forefront of technological breakthrough. The music community has always shown resilience to overcome the challenges brought as well by technological advances. They have adapted in the best way by showing a strong alliance between them. I am impressed by India’s knowledge and assessment of what would be needed when it comes to the AI revolution and happy to go along with Indian creators to foster regulatory, business, and technological solutions to engage in this new era with the necessary tools and safeguards. Long life to Indian music!” – Sylvie Forbin, Deputy Director General, WIPO

“This roundtable was not just about rights and royalties. It was about the recognition that creators are the backbone of every cultural narrative. Through this dialogue with WIPO, we aimed to elevate the discourse on fair pay, copyright enforcement, and future-ready frameworks—especially considering AI and digital transformation. IPRS remains committed to ensuring that every voice behind the music is heard, respected, and rewarded.” – Javed Akhtar, Chairman, IPRS

“Thanks to Javed Akhtar sahab and IPRS for holding this roundtable meeting with Ms. Sylvie Forbin, Deputy Director General, WIPO. Having WIPO at the table added immense value, bringing international expertise and highlighting collaborative efforts to strengthen IP frameworks across nations. SWA and SRAI as representatives of screenwriters and lyricists strive for the rights of the creators and it is good to see all the stakeholders coming together to discuss the betterment of creators and protection of Intellectual Property.” – Zaman Habib, General Secretary, Screenwriters Association

“Our heartfelt thanks to IPRS for organising an exclusive roundtable meeting in Mumbai, participated by personalities across India’s music and entertainment industry with Ms. Sylvie Forbin. It was a great opportunity to listen to her and express our thoughts.
We truly appreciate the initiative by the one and only IPRS in supporting India's rapidly evolving entertainment and music landscape.” – Sridhar J Swaminathan, Secretary, SIMCA.