Copyright work for Mumbai's film, music and media industry
Mumbai's film, television, OTT, music, advertising and publishing businesses deal in rights every day. Most disputes start with a gap in the paperwork: a script commissioned without an assignment, a song used beyond its licence, or footage reused after a campaign ends.
- Chain-of-title review for scripts, music, footage and artwork before release or sale.
- Assignments and licences for writers, composers, lyricists, performers and freelancers.
- Copyright registration for scripts, cinematograph films, sound recordings and artwork.
- Takedown notices to platforms and responses to takedowns received.
- Infringement claims, legal notices and settlement terms.
Ownership and chain of title
The author is generally the first owner of copyright, subject to exceptions such as works made by employees in the course of employment and certain commissioned works. Paying a freelancer or a production house does not on its own transfer copyright; an assignment must be in writing and should state the rights, duration and territory.
Under the Copyright Act, an assignment that does not state its duration is taken to be five years, and one that does not state its territory is taken to cover India. Lyricists and composers also keep a statutory right to share royalties when their work is used other than in the film itself. Draft agreements with those rules in mind.
| Work | Records to keep |
|---|---|
| Script or screenplay | Dated drafts, writer agreement with written assignment, registration where obtained |
| Song or background score | Composer and lyricist agreements, sound-recording licence, label or publisher terms |
| Film or series | Producer agreements, underlying-rights assignments, performer releases, music licences |
| Advertising creative | Agency agreement, freelancer assignments, stock and font licences |
Responding to copying and unauthorised use
Preserve evidence before acting: URLs, screenshots with dates, downloads and the original files showing your creation date. Many platform disputes are resolved through a takedown notice, but repeated or commercial copying may need a legal notice or a suit.
Section 62 of the Copyright Act allows a copyright owner to sue where it resides or carries on business. Depending on value and facts, a Mumbai dispute may be heard by the Bombay High Court's commercial division or a commercial court. Not every use without permission is infringement, as the Act sets out fair dealing and other exceptions.
Should you register the copyright?
Registration is not required for copyright to exist, but the Register of Copyrights entry is prima facie evidence of the particulars recorded. It is useful for works that will be licensed, sold or enforced. Applications are filed online with the Copyright Office, with the official fee depending on the category of work.
Meeting the team in Mumbai
The Mumbai office is at Chamber-A, Crescent Grande, 5th floor, New Nagardas Road, Andheri East, Mumbai 400069. Meetings are by appointment, and video consultations are available. For release-date or campaign deadlines, mention the date when you contact us.
Scope and fees are agreed before drafting, filing or representation, and no outcome can be guaranteed.
Discuss your requirements with BIAT Legal LLP
Share the type of matter, your location and any upcoming deadline. The team can confirm the information needed, consultation arrangements and scope for further work.
For a meeting in Mumbai, see the Andheri East office details and contact the team to arrange an appointment.
Copyright Lawyers in Mumbai: frequently asked questions
Do I need to register copyright to protect my script or song?
No. Copyright exists automatically in an original work. Registration provides prima facie evidence of the recorded particulars, which helps when licensing or enforcing.
Does paying a writer or composer give the producer the copyright?
Not automatically. Unless an exception applies, the producer needs a written assignment that states the rights, duration and territory.
What happens if an assignment does not mention its duration?
Under the Copyright Act, an assignment that does not state its duration is taken to be for five years, and one that does not state its territory is taken to cover India.
Someone uploaded my film clip or music without permission. What should I do?
Preserve the URLs and screenshots, then consider a takedown notice to the platform. Repeated or commercial misuse may justify a legal notice or a suit.
Can I file a copyright case in Mumbai if the infringer is in another city?
Possibly. Section 62 of the Copyright Act allows a copyright owner to sue where it carries on business, subject to the facts and the court's jurisdiction.
Do you have an office in Mumbai?
Yes. The Mumbai office is at Chamber-A, Crescent Grande, 5th floor, New Nagardas Road, Andheri East, Mumbai 400069. Meetings are by appointment, and video consultations are available.