The Calcutta High Court has mandated that hotels should acquire copyright licenses for music played through cable television in guest rooms, reinforcing the concept that such services constitute public communication under copyright law.
Calcutta HC Rules on Copyright Licensing for Hotel Music
The Calcutta High Court has affirmed that hotels offering cable television in guest rooms must secure copyright licenses for the music content aired. This ruling was established in a judgment delivered on August 4, where the court underscored the necessity for compliance with copyright laws.
The Bench, comprising Justices Debangsu Basak and Md Shabbar Rashidi, articulated that merely relying on the copyright license held by a cable operator does not absolve hotels from their obligations. Providing cable television in hotel rooms is identified as a commercial service that falls within the scope of “communication to the public” as defined under the Copyright Act, 1957.
This ruling serves as a reminder for the hospitality industry regarding their responsibilities concerning intellectual property rights. It draws particular attention to the need for proactive measures in securing appropriate licenses to avoid legal repercussions.
For legal practitioners representing hotels, this decision necessitates thorough consultations regarding copyright compliance and the importance of obtaining necessary licenses to mitigate risks associated with copyright infringement.
Citations
- - (2026) 1 Calcutta 150
