The Alliance Centre for Intellectual Property Rights (ACIPR) and the AUIP Cell, under the Alliance School of Law, conducted a national workshop titled "IP & Music: Legal Harmonies and Industry Challenges". The event was organised as part of World Intellectual Property Day 2025 and focused on the theme “IP and Music: Feel the Beat of IP.”

Cross-Sector Participation and Format

Conducted in hybrid mode, the workshop attracted more than 150 participants. Attendees included students from the 5-year and 3-year LLB programmes, LLM candidates, Ph.D. research scholars, academicians, and intellectual property enthusiasts from institutions across India. The event provided a multidisciplinary platform for the discussion of legal, cultural, and technological issues linked to music and intellectual property.

Expert Sessions and Key Discussions

The workshop featured expert-led sessions addressing current legal debates and industry practices at the intersection of music and intellectual property.

Ms Akshata Kamath, Principal Associate at Krishnamurthy & Co. (K Law), opened the session with a discussion on the fundamentals of copyright law and its application in sound branding and commercial music use.

Dr Neha Yadav, representing SABIC, explored the preservation of musical heritage, the role of copyright societies, and challenges surrounding the ownership of folk traditions and remix practices. Her session highlighted the complexity of balancing cultural protection with modern reinterpretation.

Mr Munish Arora, Indian Patent Agent and IP Counsel at SABIC, addressed the global dimensions of music copyright. His presentation covered international treaty frameworks and the increasing cross-border challenges in music licensing and enforcement.

Mr Gaurav Mishra, Associate Partner at Banana IP Counsels, examined authorship and ownership issues in AI-generated music. He discussed the shifting role of creators and questioned existing frameworks for recognising originality and assigning rights in machine-assisted compositions.

Launch of the ACIPR Bulletin 2025

The workshop also marked the release of the ACIPR Bulletin 2025, which included articles, creative reflections, and academic analyses on music and intellectual property. The bulletin aimed to encourage interdisciplinary engagement and expand conversations around contemporary IP issues.

Organisational Support and Engagement

The event was supported by faculty members and student volunteers from the Alliance School of Law. The workshop design facilitated interactive engagement, offering opportunities for participants to reflect on evolving legal frameworks, cultural implications, and future regulatory needs in the music industry.

Conclusion

The national workshop on IP & Music created a space for dialogue on the influence of law, culture, and technology in shaping musical creativity and rights management. The event reinforced Alliance University’s commitment to advancing academic and practical understanding of intellectual property in emerging contexts.