Javed Akhtar, the acclaimed scriptwriter, lyricist, poet and activist will take part in a keynote session at the World Copyright Summit in Brussels on 8 June , where he will discuss his successful action to get India’s copyright laws modernised and more favourable to authors.
Praising Akhtar, CISAC president and legendary Bee Gees singer Robin Gibb said,”We have been impressed by the leadership that Javed Akhtar has taken in the fight to obtain rights for creators in the recent debates around the new copyright legislation in India”
Javed Akhtar shares:
What are the main issues that you had to deal with to obtain a change in the copyright law in India?
In India we had to deal with a lack of understanding of the current system in which authors are relegated to an inferior position. Creating awareness with regard to this situation became, for us, a pre-condition to having a better, improved law.
What can the International community do from now on to ensure that India becomes fully copyright compliant?
It is critical for the International community to ensure that the foreign companies operating in India adhere to the best practices prevalent Internationally. Importantly, the community should assist Indian copyright societies to incorporate such best practices in India also.
What role do you see for authors’ societies in the new environment in India?
Authors societies will contribute critically to evolving confidence among owners of copyright as well as among users of copyright. The new environment, which it is hoped, will provide a balance as regards ownership will need to be preserved through authors societies.