Chennai, India – September 3, 2026 – In the vibrant and ever-evolving landscape of creative industries, the question of ownership over original works often becomes a complex labyrinth for artists, writers, musicians, and innovators. Long before a script captivates an audience, a melody resonates with listeners, or a photograph tells a compelling story, the creator grapples with fundamental questions about their intellectual property (IP) rights. Addressing this pervasive concern, intellectual property lawyer and author Xerxes Ranina has penned a groundbreaking new book, "Who Owns What?", published by HarperCollins India. The book, born from a persistent stream of inquiries from clients, friends, and professionals within the creative sector, aims to demystify the often-intimidating world of IP law, making it accessible and actionable for everyone.
Ranina, a seasoned legal mind with extensive experience in intellectual property, observed a significant gap in understanding among creators. "The book emerged organically from the questions people had, questions my clients and friends were asking," Ranina explains. "There were so many misconceptions about IP, and the legal perspective often felt overly complicated. Even the language in legal textbooks can be quite dense. My goal was to create something written in a very simple, straightforward manner."
This initiative to bridge the knowledge gap will be further amplified at The Hindu Lit for Life Unplugged, presented by Prakriti Foundation. On September 5th, Ranina will engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Ranvir Shah, founder and trustee of Prakriti Foundation. Their discussion will delve into the core themes of "Who Owns What?", exploring the everyday legal quandaries that creators frequently encounter, from navigating copyright contracts to understanding recourse when their work is used without their explicit consent.
Understanding the Intangible: The Essence of Intellectual Property
At its heart, intellectual property refers to creations of the mind. Ranina meticulously breaks down this concept into its key components: trademarks, patents, designs, and copyright. While tangible assets like a house have a physical presence, IP is inherently intangible. "When you own a house, you can physically see and touch it," Ranina elaborates. "But owning the copyright to a novel or a film is different. It’s not something you can physically grasp. It’s about the underlying creative effort, the ideas, and the expression that have gone into its creation." This intangible nature is precisely what often leads to confusion and potential disputes.
The book is designed to be a practical guide, offering clarity through relatable examples, illustrative case studies, and engaging visuals. Ranina addresses common creator anxieties: "What happens if I write a script? What if someone uses my music? These are questions that people ask constantly. I’ve tried to answer them in a simple way, using scenarios that creators can easily connect with."
Navigating the Creative Minefield: Key IP Protection Strategies
Ranina identifies two primary pitfalls that often ensnare emerging creators when it comes to safeguarding their intellectual property.
The Peril of Unprotected Disclosure: The NDA Imperative
The first critical mistake is sharing creative work without a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). "Imagine a screenwriter pitching a film script to multiple production companies," Ranina illustrates. "They are distributing their script to perhaps ten different entities. In such situations, it is crucial to provide the script under the provisions of an NDA. This legal document clearly states that the recipient cannot use the information contained within the script without your express permission." This principle extends beyond filmmaking, applying equally to the visual arts, music production, and any field where original concepts are shared with potential collaborators or stakeholders. Failing to implement an NDA can leave creators vulnerable to their ideas being exploited without proper attribution or compensation.
The Myth of Registration: Copyright Protection Begins at Creation
The second significant misconception, Ranina notes, is the belief that copyright protection is contingent upon formal registration. "Many young individuals mistakenly believe that if they haven’t registered their copyright, they don’t actually own anything," he states. "This is simply not true. Copyright protection begins the moment the work is created. Registration is not a prerequisite for ownership, though it can provide significant advantages in legal disputes and enforcement."
However, Ranina clarifies that this distinction is crucial for other forms of IP. While copyright is automatically granted upon creation, trademarks, designs, and patents require a formal registration process to establish exclusive rights and legal standing. The book meticulously outlines the differences and the necessary steps for each type of IP.
Financial Prudence in Creative Partnerships
Beyond the fundamental protection of ownership, Ranina also offers crucial advice on financial arrangements within creative projects. He addresses the common scenario where creators are promised a share of future profits, a promise that often remains unfulfilled. "I advise my clients to secure as much payment upfront as possible," Ranina emphasizes. "Alternatively, for longer-term projects, establishing standard payment milestones, perhaps quarterly, ensures that you receive a portion of your earnings regularly. This provides a crucial financial cushion, especially if the professional relationship deteriorates or the project encounters unforeseen challenges." This pragmatic approach underscores the importance of contractual clarity and financial security for creators.
The Evolving Landscape: AI and the Future of IP
The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents a new frontier of complexity for intellectual property law. Ranina acknowledges the evolving nature of this challenge: "The situation with AI is dynamic. Laws are changing monthly, and new judgments are being delivered internationally. Currently, there isn’t specific legislation governing AI-generated content in India, so we are in a phase of observation and adaptation to understand how these issues will ultimately be resolved." The book touches upon these emerging complexities, highlighting the need for creators to remain informed about the evolving legal frameworks surrounding AI and its impact on their work.
A Simple Yet Powerful Mantra: "Be Careful Before You Sign Anything"
Ranina’s overarching advice to aspiring creators is distilled into a simple yet profoundly important mantra: "Just be careful before you sign anything." This encapsulates the essence of his book – empowering creators with knowledge to make informed decisions, protect their invaluable intellectual assets, and navigate the legal intricacies of their creative journeys with confidence.
An Invitation to Engage
The forthcoming discussion at The Hindu Lit for Life Unplugged on September 5th at The Lab, T Nagar, from 6 pm onwards, promises to be an insightful session for anyone involved in or aspiring to be part of the creative industries. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to engage directly with Xerxes Ranina and Ranvir Shah, gaining practical insights and clarifying their own IP-related queries.
Event Details:
- What: The Hindu Lit for Life Unplugged featuring Xerxes Ranina and Ranvir Shah
- When: September 5, 2026, 6:00 PM onwards
- Where: The Lab, T Nagar, Chennai
- Registration: Scan the provided QR code for registration.
Xerxes Ranina’s "Who Owns What?" is more than just a book; it’s a vital resource and a call to action for creators to understand and assert their rights in a world increasingly driven by innovation and intellectual capital. By demystifying the legal landscape, Ranina is equipping the next generation of creative minds with the essential tools to protect their dreams and ensure their creations receive the recognition and reward they deserve.
