The Sounds of Rights: Protecting Music Copyright in a Digital World

0001On 24th March, 2026, the IPR Chair at National Law University Delhi, in collaboration with the Cell for IPR Promotion and Management under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, organised a lecture titled “The Sounds of Rights, Protecting Music Copyright in a Digital World.”

0002The session commenced with opening remarks by Mr. Eashan Ghosh, IPR Chair Professor at NLU Delhi, who provided the context for the discussion by highlighting the growing importance of music copyright in an increasingly digital environment.

Expert Speakers

0003The lecture featured distinguished experts from the legal and music industries. The speakers were Mr. Ameet Datta, Founder and Managing Partner, ADP Law Offices, Mr. Blaise Fernandes, CEO of Indian Music Industry, and Mr. Yash Asai, Vice President, Legal at Saregama India Ltd.

Discussion on the Music Industry and Big Tech

0004The speaker session began with Mr. Blaise Fernandes, who discussed the geoeconomics and geopolitics of Big Tech and their implications for the global and Indian music industries.

0005His discussion examined the relationship between developments in Big Tech and the changing landscape of the music industry, with a focus on their implications for both global and Indian markets.

Digital Music Ecosystem

0006Following this, Mr. Ameet Datta provided insights into the digital music ecosystem. He traced its historical evolution and explained the dynamics that shape the ecosystem in the present digital environment.

0007His discussion provided an understanding of how the digital music ecosystem has developed and the factors that continue to influence it.

Licensing, Revenue Models and Online Piracy

0008The speaker segment concluded with Mr. Yash Asai, who addressed licensing frameworks, revenue models, and the challenges posed by online piracy.

0009His contribution provided a practical perspective on the legal and commercial aspects of music in the digital environment and the challenges arising from online piracy.

Participation

0010The event received an overwhelming response, with more than 500 registrations. It witnessed active participation from students of NLU Delhi, including students enrolled in the WIPO, NLUD, IPO Joint Master’s and LL.M. in IP Law and Management programme.

0011Students from USLLS, GGSIPU, IILM University, Gurugram, and Christ University also participated on campus. The hybrid format further enabled substantial participation from attendees joining virtually.

Conclusion

0012The lecture provided a platform to discuss the changing relationship between music, copyright, technology, and the digital economy. The speakers addressed the subject from legal, industry, and practical perspectives, covering the impact of Big Tech, the development of the digital music ecosystem, licensing and revenue models, and online piracy.

0013The strong participation from students and professionals, both on campus and virtually, reflected the growing interest in the legal and commercial issues surrounding music copyright in the digital world.