Ilaiyaraaja copyright case: Sony Music refuses to reveal revenue details
What's the story
Sony Music Entertainment India Private Limited refused to share the statement of accounts regarding the revenue earned through "commercial exploitation" of songs composed by legendary musician R Ilaiyaraaja for certain movies. The company, on Wednesday, cited confidentiality over commercial information from platforms like Apple Music, Amazon Music, and Spotify as the reason for withholding these details. The dispute is currently being heard in the Madras High Court.
Legal proceedings
Ilaiyaraaja entitled to commercial information only if...: Sony Music
During the court hearing, senior counsel Vijay Narayan representing Sony Music said that Ilaiyaraaja would be entitled to such commercial information only if he establishes his legal right over the songs composed by him after receiving due remuneration from film producers. On the contrary, senior counsel S. Prabakaran representing Ilaiyaraaja insisted that Sony Music should be directed to disclose these details.
Legal argument
Supreme Court has issued notice to Ilaiyaraaja
Prabakaran argued that the Supreme Court had repeatedly deprecated the practice of submitting information in sealed covers. He insisted on the need for transparency from Sony Music. However, Justice N Senthilkumar decided against opening the sealed cover as Narayan informed him that Sony Music had approached the Supreme Court last week seeking transfer of Ilaiyaraaja's suit from Madras High Court to Bombay High Court.
Counterclaims
Background of the case
Sony Music had filed a civil suit in Bombay High Court in 2021, declaring itself as the copyright holder of songs composed by Ilaiyaraaja for certain films. The suit sought to restrain the composer from claiming any commercial rights over these songs. In response, Ilaiyaraaja filed a counter-suit at the Madras High Court seeking the opposite prayers after four years.
Upcoming proceedings
Next hearing likely on November 26
Narayan also informed the court that a Bench comprising Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran had ordered notice to Ilaiyaraaja on the transfer petition on October 15. The next hearing of this transfer plea is likely to take place on November 26. In light of these developments, Justice Senthilkumar directed Madras High Court Registry to list Ilaiyaraaja's suit next on November 27.