DCH accord significant victory to PPL India in copyright infringement case

On the eve of New Year and Christmas celebrations, Phonographic Performance Ltd. (PPL India) gears up to safeguard its extensive catalogue of over 70 lakh songs. The Delhi High Court (DHC) has delivered a decisive blow against copyright infringement, restraining entities from playing copyrighted songs controlled by PPL without the requisite license.

PPL India, an 80-year-old entity, manages a vast collection of songs assigned by over 400 music labels, including major players like T-series, Saregama, Sony Music, Universal Music, Warner Music, Times Music, and Speed Records.

 The Delhi High Court has issued rulings that support PPL India, addressing unauthorized use of copyrighted sound recordings by prominent establishments like One8 Commune, Tim Hortons, Aptronix, Unicorn, Gola Sizzler, and Str8up Hospitality. The court has also reaffirmed PPL’s right to issue licenses for the lawful use of its extensive music repertoire, a move that has been supported by various Indian courts by issuing injunctions against infringing entities. The court has also restrained misleading campaigns by associations like the DJ Association Chandigarh, ensuring the legality of PPL’s music.