Play your part in shaping the Copyright Bill via webconference: 28 May,2010

The Standing Committee on Human Resource Development has invited suggestions from the citizens on the Copyright (Amendment) Bill, 2010. The proposed Bill seeks to amend the Copyright Act, 1957 to conform to the World Intellectual Property Organisation's WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT) and WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty (WPPT). The WCT deals with safeguarding the interests of the authors of literary and artistic works such as writings, computer programs, original databases, musical works, audio-visual works, works of fine art and photographs. The WPPT protects certain 'related rights' of the performers and producers of phonograms.

The invitation was announced by means of a press release earlier this month and the last date for receipt of suggestions is 31^st May ’10. The press release is available here and the draft of the bill here.

This invitation is a great opportunity as the bill affects entrepreneurs across industries like publishing, (new and traditional) media, arts, entertainment etc. The outcome of this bill will decide the use and distribution of content-music, literature, knowledge, videos and might redefine ‘freedom of speech’ and ‘fair usage limits’.

We think this initiative is of utmost importance from the perspective of entrepreneurs from the aforementioned spaces and hence, have hosted a web discussion with the following objectives:

1. Identify areas for improvement in the Copyright bill from an entrepreneur's perspective
2. Help/encourage entrepreneurs to vigilantly participate in shaping the bill as informed citizens.

Date: Friday, 28 May,2010

Time: 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm

Registrations: Only 300 slots. Click here to register at no cost

OR paste this in the address bar of your browser: https://my.dimdim.com/enterprisingindia/

Speakers:

· Faisal Farooqui, Founder- CEO, MouthShut.com

· Girish Mallya, Head- Digital Media & Technology, NextGen Publishing Ltd.

· Gaurav Mishra, CEO 2020 Social

· Sharanya Ranga, Attorney & Partner, Universal Legal <Chief Moderator>

· Lavin Mirchandani, Enterprising.IN <Moderator>