The Copyright (Amendment) Bill, 2012

'The Copyright (Amendment) Bill, 2010' aims to amend the Copyright Act, 1957. The bill introduces several changes to the existing law, including modifications to sections 2, 14, 15, 17, and others. Key amendments include:

• Changes to copyright ownership for cinematograph films, where the producer and principal director will be considered joint owners of the copyright.
• Insertion of new clauses defining "commercial rental" and "communication to the public," which includes making a work or performance available through various means, excluding physical copies.
• Addition of provisos to sections 2 and 26, providing exceptions for sound recordings and cinematograph films, respectively.
• Omission of section 25 and amendment of sections 30, 31, 31A, 33, and others.

The bill also introduces new provisions, such as the performer's right in section 38, which grants exclusive rights to performers, including the right to claim identification and to restrain or claim damages for distortion, mutilation, or other modification of their performance. The bill aims to balance copyright holders' rights with users' interests, promoting fair dealing and public access to creative works.