IPR, MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT LAW IN THE OTT ERA: BALANCING COPYRIGHT, LICENSING AND EMERGING CHALLENGES IN THE DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY

AUTHOR– ANJALI BHATI, AMITY LAW SCHOOL, NOIDA, UTTAR PRADESH

BEST CITATION – ANJALI BHATI, IPR, MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT LAW IN THE OTT ERA: BALANCING COPYRIGHT, LICENSING AND EMERGING CHALLENGES IN THE DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (7) OF 2025, PG. 118-125, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344

Abstract

The speedy expansion of OTT platforms has transformed the global media and entertainment landscape, challenging traditional IPR system. In this new era, balancing copyright protection with fair use, licensing agreements, and distribution rights has become increasingly complex. As content creators, distributors, and consumers navigate a fragmented digital ecosystem, OTT platforms are often at the center of debates over the ownership and monetization of creative works. Issues like cross-border copyright enforcement, digital piracy, and unauthorized content sharing are exacerbated by the borderless nature of the internet, necessitating a reevaluation of existing legal structures to address the unique demands of streaming services and their global audiences.

This research article paper explores the evolving landscape of IPR in the OTT era, focusing on the interplay among copyright protection, licensing practices, and the challenges posed by new technologies such as digital streaming, piracy, and cross-border distribution. It examines how media companies and content creators must navigate the changing legal frameworks, including jurisdictional issues and the enforcement of rights across multiple territories. The study also analyzes into emerging challenges such as user-generated content, the role of Artificial Intelligence in content creation, and the implications of data privacy regulations on content consumption. The study seeks to provide insights into how the media and entertainment industries can strike a balance between protecting intellectual property, fostering innovation, and ensuring equitable access in the face of a rapidly evolving digital ecosystem.

Key words: IPR, OTT, Copyright protection, Licensing