Need for the Reform of Copyright Laws with Regards to OTT Platforms in India
Aditya Awasthi
, Dr Neeraj Prakash Rai
Copyright Act 1957, OTT Platforms, Digital Streaming, Copyright Reform, India, Statutory Licensing, Intermediary Liability, Piracy, Tips v. Wynk.
The rapid proliferation and profound influence of Over-The-Top (OTT) streaming services have reshaped India’s digital media landscape, presenting significant challenges to the existing copyright legal framework. The Indian Copyright Act, 1957, predating the digital streaming era, exhibits considerable inadequacies in addressing the unique complexities arising from OTT operations, including content licensing, the scope of communication to the public, intermediary liability, and enforcement against digital piracy. This paper critically analyzes these shortcomings, arguing for the pressing need for legislative and regulatory reform. By examining key legal ambiguities, analyzing landmark case law such as Tips Industries Ltd. v. Wynk Music Ltd., and discussing real-world enforcement challenges exemplified by actions against platforms like Bollyzone.TV and Thop TV, the paper identifies specific gaps in the current regime. It proposes concrete reforms, including amendments to the Copyright Act to define digital services, establish tailored licensing mechanisms, clarify intermediary liability, strengthen anti-piracy measures, and enhance the role of collective management organizations. The objective is to foster a balanced copyright environment that protects creators, supports OTT innovation, and ensures public access to content within the dynamic Indian digital ecosystem.
"Need for the Reform of Copyright Laws with Regards to OTT Platforms in India", IJSDR - International Journal of Scientific Development and Research (www.IJSDR.org), ISSN:2455-2631, Vol.10, Issue 5, page no.d886-d892, May-2025, Available :https://ijsdr.org/papers/IJSDR2505386.pdf
Volume 10
Issue 5,
May-2025
Pages : d886-d892
Paper Reg. ID: IJSDR_303371
Published Paper Id: IJSDR2505386
Downloads: 000268
Research Area: Other area not in list
Country: Ujjain, MP, India
ISSN: 2455-2631 | IMPACT FACTOR: 9.15 Calculated By Google Scholar | ESTD YEAR: 2016
An International Scholarly Open Access Journal, Peer-Reviewed, Refereed Journal Impact Factor 9.15 Calculate by Google Scholar and Semantic Scholar | AI-Powered Research Tool, Multidisciplinary, Monthly, Multilanguage Journal Indexing in All Major Database & Metadata, Citation Generator
Publisher: IJSDR(IJ Publication) Janvi Wave
