Core Insights - Music labels are increasingly taking legal action against businesses for unauthorized use of copyrighted music, with 197 civil suits and 172 police complaints filed in the past three years, reflecting a 30% growth in such cases [1][12] - The Copyright Act of 1957 mandates that operators of hotels, restaurants, and private spaces obtain licenses for playing original music, but this requirement is often overlooked due to lack of awareness and enforcement [2][12] - Music labels are estimated to lose over ₹2,000 crore annually due to copyright infringements in the non-digital space, with recovery rates for royalties as low as 3% to 10% [3][5][12] Industry Challenges - Unauthorized public communication of music remains a significant issue, with businesses failing to recognize the legal implications of copyright infringement [5][12] - There is a pressing need for a streamlined system to monitor and manage copyrights and royalties for musicians and labels, particularly in non-live and non-musical events [7][12] - The current recovery of music royalties is reportedly around 3%, highlighting inefficiencies in the existing framework [7][12] Industry Bodies and Collaboration - Key industry bodies such as Phonographic Performance Ltd and the Indian Performing Right Society are responsible for issuing licenses and collecting royalties on behalf of music creators [7][12] - Music labels are collaborating with third-party entities to identify copyright infringements, especially in high-end venues like five-star restaurants [10][12] - Despite an increase in publishing income from the non-digital side, it remains below 10%, indicating ongoing challenges in revenue recovery for music labels [10][12]