The Government of India established the Copyright Board as a quasi-judicial body under the Copyright Act, 1957. Its primary role is to resolve copyright-related disputes and ensure the fair use of copyrighted works across various industries.
The board works under the administrative control of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and has authority over matters related to intellectual property rights, especially copyright.
Key Functions
- Resolve disputes between copyright owners and users.
- Fix royalties for copyrighted works like music, films, books, and software.
- Handle matters related to compulsory licensing.
- Review and settle issues concerning copyright societies.
- Hear appeals against decisions made by the Registrar of Copyrights.
The Copyright Board protects the rights of creators and copyright holders, while also safeguarding the public interest. It plays a major role in balancing economic rights with cultural access.
Legal Powers
The board has powers similar to a civil court. It can:
- Summon witnesses,
- Demand documents,
- Issue orders that are binding and enforceable.
Its decisions can be challenged in High Courts, but only under legal grounds.
Recent Updates
In 2017, the government merged the Copyright Board into the Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB) to improve efficiency. However, in 2021, the IPAB was abolished, and its functions were transferred to commercial courts and High Courts.
