Sony/ATV partners with Sony Music Entertainment; Forays into India

Sony/ATV enters Indian shores with Sony Music Entertainment wherein Sony/ATV will exploit and manage Sony Music India's publishing works overseas, likewise, Sony Music India will manage Sony/ATV's International works across four countries - India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal. Through this JV, Sony Music Entertainment India aims to develop the song writing business in the country by increasing awareness of these rights amongst the numerous stakeholders in the industry.

Commenting on its exclusive tie-up with Sony/ATV, Shridhar Subramaniam ' President - Sony India & Middle East said," In India, the publishing Industry is at a nascent stage and we are very excited to have entered into a JV with our sister concern Sony ATV to develop this business. Through this joint venture we will represent their 750, 000 plus global assets in India and Sony ATV will represent Sony Music Indias' musical works Internationally. There is a huge opportunity in India and we believe in the span of three years it will constitute a third of the Music Industry in value."

According to Guy Henderson, Senior Vice President, International for Sony/ATV Music Publishing, "India is an extremely vibrant growing music market and there is a huge scope for the publishing business here. We along with Sony Music plan to nurture, develop and grow this segment and we together hope to create some significant revenue opportunities."

Sony/ATV India is currently in the process of signing various Indian artistes (both new and established) It already administers over 2000 of Sony Music India's Indian works ' from Bollywood, Tamil and Non Film across International markets. Headquartered in New York City, Sony/ATV Music Publishing has 32 offices in 23 countries. Besides working with established artistes, Sony-ATV India operations will focus on identifying new and talented songwriters and composers to bring them on-board. Its core relationship with the artistes it brings on-board will be to secure commissions for new works (to pitch songs to recording artists) as well as ensuring security of IPR for the compositions of its artistes & composers by registering their works with all appropriate collecting societies and agencies.

The key upside of Sony/ATV India to Indian artistes & composers will be that the company will ensure proper and timely monitoring, tracking, collection and payment for the use of music they own and administer. As part of its monitoring mechanism, Sony/ATV India will also ensure corrective as well as punitive action against those using its music without necessary license through collaborative efforts with local law-keeping authorities.

At Sony ATV India, Indian works and artistes will have access to the company Global Administration and Registration services; Monetization and Licensing capabilities; Business and Legal Affairs administration; Accounting and Reporting services; access to Sony/ATV Global offices and its Copyright claims & Infringement tracking network.

This strategic alliance provides a formal platform for Sony/ATV to launch its operations in India.