IPRS & MUSIC COPYRIGHT / 06 MIN READ · OCTOBER 9, 2026 · BY BEON

Can You Translate Someone Else’s Lyrics or Set Them to Music Without a Licence in India?

Music creators often draw inspiration from poetry, literature and existing songs. A lyricist may want to translate a popular song into another language, while a composer may wish to create a new melody for an existing poem. Although these activities can be creative, they can also raise important copyright questions.

Are Song Lyrics Protected by Copyright?

Original song lyrics can qualify for copyright protection as literary works, subject to the requirements of the law.

Copyright protection generally gives the relevant rights holder control over specified uses of the protected work. These rights may include reproduction, adaptation and other uses, depending on the nature of the work and applicable law.

The fact that lyrics are available online or included in a publicly released recording does not automatically make them free to reuse.

Can You Translate Someone Else’s Lyrics Without Permission?

Translating copyrighted lyrics into another language can involve adapting or reproducing the original literary work.

For example, imagine that a songwriter creates a Hindi song and another artist translates the complete lyrics into English for a new recording. Even if the translated version uses different words, it may still reproduce the original work's protected expression.

Changing the language does not automatically remove copyright protection.

Before commercially releasing or publicly exploiting a translation of protected lyrics, identify the relevant rights holder and obtain the necessary permission unless a valid legal exception applies.

Can You Set Someone Else’s Lyrics to a New Melody?

Creating a new melody for existing lyrics can also raise copyright issues.

The lyrics and the musical composition are distinct creative elements. A person may own the rights to a new melody but still require permission to use another person's protected lyrics.

For example, a composer who takes a copyrighted poem and turns it into a commercial song may need authorisation from the relevant rights holder.

The permissions needed depend on the work's copyright status, ownership, proposed use and applicable legal provisions.

What If You Change a Few Words?

Making small changes to lyrics does not necessarily eliminate copyright concerns. A translation, adaptation or rewritten version may still use protected expression from the original.

There is no universal rule that changing a fixed percentage of lyrics automatically makes the new version lawful.

Crediting the original lyricist is also not a substitute for obtaining permission where permission is legally required.

What If the Original Lyrics Are in the Public Domain?

Works whose copyright protection has expired may be available for use, subject to applicable law and the status of the particular work.

However, a modern translation, arrangement or adaptation may have its own copyright protection. A public-domain poem does not automatically place every later translation or musical arrangement in the public domain.

Do You Need Permission From IPRS?

The answer depends on who owns or administers the relevant rights and what you plan to do.

IPRS administers rights in musical works and associated literary works within its authorised repertoire. However, not every lyric or composition is necessarily administered by IPRS.

For a translation or adaptation, establish who controls the relevant adaptation or reproduction rights. This may involve contacting the copyright owner, publisher or authorised representative.

An ordinary public performance licence should not automatically be treated as permission to translate lyrics or create an adaptation.

How Can You Legally Create a Translated or Adapted Song?

1. Identify the original lyricist, composer and relevant rights holders.
2. Check the copyright status of the original lyrics.
3. Determine whether the intended use involves translation, adaptation, reproduction or another restricted activity.
4. Obtain written permission covering the intended use.
5. Agree on applicable fees, credits, territories and commercial conditions.
6. Confirm whether additional permissions are required for recording, distribution or public performance.

Keep copies of agreements and written approvals for future reference.

Translation vs Inspiration

Taking an idea, theme or mood from a song is generally different from copying or closely translating its words. Writing a fresh song about heartbreak is not the same as translating someone else's heartbreak song line by line. When you want to avoid permission problems, the safest route is to write original lyrics in your own words.

Real-Life Scenarios

• A Hindi song translated line by line into English and released online: likely to need permission from the rights holder.
• A copyrighted poem turned into a commercial song: you may need permission to use the poem, even if the melody is yours.
• A new song with the same theme as a famous song but fresh lyrics: this is generally a different question from translation, but avoid copying distinctive lines.
• An old poem that is out of copyright: may be available, but check the status of the poem and any modern translation of it.

How to Ask for Permission

When you contact a rights holder, be clear and professional. Include:

• Who you are and your project
• The song or poem, with the writer and publisher if you know them
• What you want to do: translate, adapt or set to music
• Where and how you will release it
• The countries and time period you need
• How you plan to credit the original writer
• What you are willing to pay or share

Agree Credits and Splits in Writing

If you get permission, put the agreement on paper. Cover credits, payment and how royalties will be shared on the new work. Then register the new work properly. Our guide to IPRS registration for artists explains what details are needed.

Safer Alternatives

• Write original lyrics inspired by a theme, not by specific lines.
• Commission a lyricist to write new words for your melody.
• Use works whose copyright has genuinely expired, and check any modern versions.
• Use music and lyrics from sources that clearly permit commercial use.

If you plan to sample existing recordings instead, read Is sampling music legal in India?

Conclusion

Translating copyrighted lyrics or setting them to a new melody can require permission from the relevant rights holder. Changing the language, modifying a few words or creating a new melody does not automatically eliminate copyright obligations.

Musicians and content creators should verify ownership, determine the rights involved and obtain appropriate authorisation before releasing or commercially exploiting an adapted work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I translate a Bollywood song into English and upload it?

You may need permission to translate and use the protected lyrics. Uploading the result may involve additional rights.

Can I use copyrighted lyrics if I credit the original writer?

Credit alone does not replace permission when permission is required.

Can I set a copyrighted poem to music?

You may need authorisation if the poem remains protected by copyright.

Can I adapt public-domain lyrics?

Potentially, but check the status of the original work and any newer translation or arrangement.

How do I find who owns a song's lyrics?

Check the release credits, the label, the publisher and the distributor's metadata. If it is still unclear, contact the label or the publisher.

Is writing a song on the same theme as another song allowed?

Using a general theme is different from copying specific lines. Write in your own words and avoid reproducing distinctive lyrics.

Read next.

• Is Sampling Music Legal in India? Copyright Rules, Licensing and the 8-Bar Myth
• What Is IPRS? Meaning, Music Licensing, Copyright Rules and Royalties in India
• Why Is an IPRS Licence Required Even After Obtaining a Licence From PPL, Novex or RMPL?

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Disclaimer. The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. BeON shall not be held responsible for any loss, damage, legal claim, or action taken based on the information provided herein. Copyright laws, licensing requirements, and tariff rates may change from time to time. Readers are advised to verify all information on the official IPRS website and other relevant official sources before taking any action. Where necessary, readers should consult a qualified legal professional to understand their specific circumstances. BeON does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or current applicability of the information presented in this article.