PVLF 2025

Interview with Dr. Ramesh K. Mittal - President, Federation of Indian Publishers

on Apr 05, 2022

Dr. Ramesh K. Mittal is President, The Federation of Indian Publishers, Secretary-General, Afro-Asian Book Council, and Executive Committee Member, Indian Reprographic Rights Organization (IRRO). He devoted his life to the cause of spreading education, knowledge, and culture through books and related printed materials. He also associated with CAPEXIL and Afro-Asian Book Council to support the exports of books and printed materials and with the Indian Reprographic Rights Organization for serving the community on copyright issues. Moreover, involved in a charity that runs two medical clinics and a public library.

Frontlist: Being the President of The Federation of Indian Publishers, kindly elaborate on what the Federation plans to do in the field of Copyright.

Dr. Ramesh: The Federation has been in regular contact with the copyright-related authorities of the Govt. of India. We regularly conduct and attend various relevant programmes from time to time. The Federation keeps the authorities informed about the problem relating to rampant piracy/copying of books. An effort is being made to seek certain amendments to the Copyright Act to safeguard the interests of the stakeholders.

Frontlist: What considerations should a publishing house keep in mind while getting into contracts with authors?

Dr. Ramesh: The Publishing Contracts should be elaborate and explicit, covering all possible factors associated with the publishing of a book, its contents, copyright ownership, editing/publishing schedule, royalties and their payment schedule, position relating to various possible editions, especially in the digital environment, translations, third party licensing, geographical area coverage, the validity period of the contract and the like. The signing of a detailed contract between the stakeholders substantially helps in avoiding misunderstanding as well as litigations.
Frontlist: What is your take on the types of support available in India for copyright protection?

Dr. Ramesh: Copyright Act is meant for the protection of copyright. One can reach out to copyright consultants and seek advice before moving into any legal action.

Frontlist: How does a publisher become the rightful owner or acquire rights of a literary work?

Dr. Ramesh: The copyright of a work is always with its creator. However, a publisher can enter into a written contract with the creator and acquire rights of a literary work by fulfilling the conditions mutually agreed upon between the Publisher and the Creator. The copyright for the overall layout, presentation style, cover, etc. of a book can be that of the Publisher, as the same is the intellectual property of the Publisher.

Frontlist: What is the plan of action for the members of FIP about Copyright within international boundaries?

Dr. Ramesh: India is a signatory to the Berne Convention, and as such, Copyright holders from countries falling under the Berne Union have a safeguard on copyright interests within those international boundaries. Both FIP and IRRO are also associated with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Geneva, the forum that discusses all the international copyright laws and issues from time to time.
Frontlist: What is your take on the types of support available in India for copyright protection?

Dr. Ramesh: Copyright Act is meant for the protection of copyright. One can reach out to copyright consultants and seek advice before moving into any legal action.

Frontlist: How does a publisher become the rightful owner or acquire rights of a literary work?

Frontlist: What is the plan of action for the members of FIP about Copyright within international boundaries?