National Webinar | Copyright & the protection of expression in the media and Entertainment Industry

The National Webinar is jointly organised by DPIIT IPR CHAIRS : WBNUJS, NLSIU, GNLU, IIT Roorkee and Tezpur University.

Overview

Technology and innovation are driving in the media and entertainment industry. This includes everything from cutting-edge special effects developed for movies (and then adopted across other industries) to streaming media, virtual reality gaming, and new delivery channels for news, music, and advertising. This has had major implications for legislators, policymakers, judges, advocates, lawyers, and students of law. For instance, freedom of speech and expression has extended from the physical format to digital and social media, giving rise to the hitherto unknown problems of fake news, online abuse, sponsored posts, harassment, etc. that have the public and private scuttling for measures to contain. It is believed that many such challenges will arise in the future. They are bound to evolve with the practice of law in courts. Even minor changes and developments can force one to ponder if the legal and regulatory systems are equipped to deal with such shifts.

With digitalization and globalization gaining impetus in the production of content; the media and entertainment industry is thriving through momentum due to dilution and ease in relaxations of various regulations in the governance of the broadcasting sectors by the government. The intangible rights like Creative works and innovative works coupled with unique creations of the inventor, essentially implying Copyright often demands protection from data theft, duplication, and piracy concerns. Moreover, the Country’s film, television, and online video services industries contribute a gross output of INR 349 thousand crore and employ 2.6 million people. The media and entertainment sector grew at a higher rate than the economy (7.8%) in 2019. It has consistently improved its ranking on the WIPO Global Innovation Index (46th in 2021 from 52nd in 2019). The creative industries not only entertain and create employment opportunities, but also help and promote country’s creative and cultural industries across the world. The creative sector has the potential to build innovative and new experiences and reflect India’s soft power. Therefore, creating copyright awareness among the youth of the country becomes imperative. It is evident that digitalisation has opened up a world of opportunities for the media and entertainment industry. At the same time, it has threatened and disrupted the traditional methods giving way to emerging business and work models. Internet penetration has revolutionised e-commerce, brand building, public outreach, online streaming, etc. It has also brought certain issues to the forefront that include online trolling, surveillance, stalking.

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