Javed Akhtar Urges Stronger IP Laws To Secure Artists And Boost India’s Music Industry

Veteran lyricist, screenwriter, and poet Javed Akhtar has called for stronger implementation of intellectual property (IP) laws to ensure financial and creative freedom for artists, stressing that a secure artist is crucial to a thriving Indian music industry.

Speaking at the "IP and Music: Feel the Beat of IP" conference organized by FICCI, Akhtar—who also chairs the Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS)—highlighted that artists should have the right to refuse work they don’t believe in, but that freedom can only come when they are financially stable.

“The artist should be rewarded for what they create. Only when they’re secure can they say, ‘No, I don’t want to do this.’ Otherwise, how can they, if they’re struggling just to feed their family?” he said.

Akhtar emphasized the growing commodification of music globally, saying that much of today’s music lacks soul because it's created on demand rather than from genuine expression.

“Music today often isn’t heartfelt—it’s ordered. True creativity thrives only when artists are free. That’s why we need strong IP laws that actually work on the ground.”

He added that real innovation and emotionally resonant music naturally perform better commercially,“What comes from the heart reaches the heart. And the audience can instinctively sense dishonesty or indifference.”

Balancing Creativity and Commerce

Akhtar also critiqued the excessive focus on market trends over originality in today’s music landscape.

“Marketing means making your own market, not simply adhering to an existing one. Without creative courage or experimentation, you’re not truly innovating.”

IPRS Growth & Future Vision

Reflecting on his tenure as IPRS chair since 2017, Akhtar noted that the society’s annual income has grown from ?42 crore to over ?730 crore in just eight years. He expressed confidence in crossing the ?1,000 crore mark soon, calling it a “work in progress.”

He praised Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal for supporting the implementation of the Copyright Act 2021, but stressed the need for continued advocacy to ensure the laws are effectively enforced.

“If these laws are implemented properly, the future of India’s music industry is incredibly bright.”

Government & Industry Initiatives

Vivek Agarwal, Secretary of the Union Ministry of Culture, also addressed the event, announcing upcoming initiatives to support India’s creative economy. These include MoUs with platforms like Spotify and YouTube to promote folk and traditional music that currently lacks mainstream visibility.

“Every region in India has a unique musical identity that deserves both preservation and commercial support,” Agarwal said, adding that the ministry is also working on Geographical Indication (GI) tags for traditional instruments and musical styles.

IP for Business Center & AI Discussion

Anil Rajput, Chairman of the FICCI IPR Committee, announced the signing of a long-awaited MoU with WIPO to launch an IP for Business Center at FICCI—aimed at supporting Indian creators and businesses in protecting and monetizing their intellectual property.

Rajput also addressed the dual role of artificial intelligence in music, warning of potential negative impacts while encouraging a forward-looking ecosystem that embraces AI as a creative tool.