Madras High Court Rules Composer Ilaiyaraaja Cannot Claim Sole Ownership of Songs, Citing Lyrics' Integral Role

The Madras High Court has ruled that renowned Indian composer Ilaiyaraaja cannot claim sole ownership of songs, stating that lyrics are a fundamental part of a song. The ruling comes in a case regarding Ilaiyaraaja's copyright claims over 4,500 songs he composed.

The court observed that there are no songs without lyrics, and therefore, the songwriter can also claim rights. "While Ilaiyaraaja has the right over the melody, the full right over the song is not his alone," the court said. It emphasized that a song comprises various elements, including the singer's voice, and the composer cannot assert absolute ownership over it.

The case was filed by Echo Recording Studio, a private recording company that claimed ownership of the songs composed by Ilaiyaraaja. The company had appealed against a previous single judge's decision that granted sole ownership of the songs to the composer.

Why this matters: The ruling sets a precedent for copyright disputes in the music industry, recognizing the collaborative nature of songwriting and the significance of lyrics. It highlights the need for fair attribution and compensation for all contributors involved in the creation of a song.

The court noted that while the rights over the melody belong to the composer, the person cannot claim the whole rights. "The songs would not carry much value without the lyrics," the court observed. Ilaiyaraaja's counsel argued that the lyricists would receive royalty irrespective of the songs being commercially exploited by the composer or the producer.

Ilaiyaraaja Appeal: The court has adjourned the matter to the second week of June, when it will consider the case in detail. All commercial transactions that Ilaiyaraaja has entered into with music streaming platforms will be dependent on the outcome of the appeal.

Ilaiyaraaja, a renowned figure in the Indian film industry, has composed over 7,000 songs and provided film scores for more than 1,000 films in various languages. The ruling is expected to have significant implications for the music industry and the way copyright claims are handled in collaborative works.

Key Takeaways

• Madras HC ruled Ilaiyaraaja can't claim sole ownership of songs he composed.
• Lyrics are a fundamental part of a song, so songwriters can also claim rights.
• The court emphasized a song comprises various elements, not just the composer.
• The ruling sets a precedent for fair attribution and compensation for all contributors.
• Ilaiyaraaja's commercial transactions with music platforms depend on the appeal outcome.