The Rajya Sabha yesterday passed the Copyright Amendment Bill, 2010, providing for certain important amendments to the Copyright Act. The bill will remove operational difficulties and address newer issues related to the digital world and Internet.

The Bill, moved by HRD Minister Kapil Sibal, also seeks to bring Indian laws originally enacted in 1957 in conformity with international norms and World Intellectual Property Organisation. Mr. Sibal said that this has been done to protect the interest of artists.

Replying to the debate, Mr Sibal said that a clause with a provision of giving royalty to the principal director of a film has been dropped in keeping with the suggestion of the Parliamentary Standing Committee.

Initiating the discussion, nominated member and noted lyricist, Javed Akhtar complained that companies have sway over songs and the writers and singers do not get much from the commercial success.

Film actress and Samajwadi Party member Jaya Bachchan talked about widespread prevalence of piracy of songs and music and urged that the Bill should address the issue.