Decoding Music Business with Copyrights and Licensing: MOCHSHA- Musicians United Collab

IPRS workshop with Musicians United, Bangalore.

Music community Musicians United Bengaluru recently had the privilege of hosting an exclusive online workshop with Mr. Mandar Deshpande, an award-winning composer-singer and a seasoned professional with over 20 years in the Media and Entertainment Industry. As a governing council member of the Media and Entertainment Skills Council (Ministry of Skill Development, Government of India), Mr. Deshpande brought unparalleled insights into the world of music rights, royalties, and the industry's evolving structure.

The session began with a deep dive into copyright law in music and the bundle of rights that make up intellectual property in music. Attendees gained clarity on how a single piece of music may involve multiple rights—such as live performance, reproduction, mechanical, publishing rights, etc. Mr. Deshpande explained the critical role of music labels and how ownership of publishing rights can influence long-term revenue and creative control.

A key highlight was the discussion on royalties and contracts. He highlighted how revenue is typically shared between stakeholders—publishers, composers, lyricists, and authors. A commonly used structure involves 50% going to the publisher, while the remaining 50% is divided between the composer and lyricist. Mr. Deshpande stressed how important it is for artists to read their contracts thoroughly, as they often contain details like royalty splits, indemnity clauses, legal jurisdictions in case of lawsuits, and the financial implications if a party terminates the agreement prematurely. Understanding these elements can make a significant difference in protecting an artist's rights and future earnings.

The session also addressed the often-overlooked topic of licensing for public performances. Mr. Deshpande explained the legal obligations of venues like bars, clubs, hotels, and cafes, as well as event organizers, when it comes to playing recorded music or hosting live/cover band performances. These insights were especially valuable for independent artists and music entrepreneurs looking to navigate the live performance space with awareness and confidence.

This session offered clarity on the business side of music—something every artist and music professional should understand. If you missed it, stay tuned for more such insightful events from our community. Follow us for updates on upcoming workshops, industry talks, and resources to help you thrive in the world of music.

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