'Who Owns What?' Explains IP Rights for India's Growing Creator Economy

As India's creator economy continues to expand and artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes the ownership of digital content, a new book by intellectual property lawyer Xerxes Ranina seeks to equip artists, writers, filmmakers and entrepreneurs with the legal knowledge needed to safeguard their creative work. The book, "Who Owns What?" , arrives at a time when copyright disputes, unfair contracts and platform policies are becoming increasingly significant concerns for independent creators.

Published by HarperCollins India in July 2026 , the book is available across online and offline bookstores for ₹599 . It is designed as a practical guide for creators, students, professionals and startups, explaining the fundamentals of intellectual property (IP) rights in simple language while offering real-world tools to navigate legal challenges.

According to Ranina , intellectual property is not merely a complex legal subject but a means of recognizing and protecting human creativity and innovation. Through the book, he aims to make concepts such as copyright, trademarks, patents, licensing and ownership rights accessible to a wider audience, enabling readers to confidently navigate the evolving IP landscape.

Founder of Neolegal Associates, Global Legal & IP Consultants , Ranina brings nearly three decades of experience in intellectual property, media and entertainment law. He has advised film studios, publishers, musicians, authors, startups and businesses on copyright protection, licensing agreements and commercial contracts, while also conducting IP awareness workshops across India.

The book comes amid a surge in India's digital creator ecosystem, with millions generating income through YouTube, Instagram, podcasts, OTT platforms, gaming, photography and self-publishing . At the same time, the rapid adoption of generative AI has sparked global debates over copyright ownership, fair use, licensing and the use of creative works for AI training, underscoring the growing importance of IP awareness.

Unlike traditional legal textbooks, "Who Owns What?" takes a creator-first approach by explaining how to identify unfair contract clauses, avoid common legal pitfalls, respond to copyright infringement and use practical sample agreements. It also explores ownership issues across creative fields including writing, filmmaking, music, photography, theatre, painting and architecture.

According to Sachin Sharma , Publisher at HarperCollins India , the book is a timely resource for emerging creators who may be unaware of their intellectual property rights. Joining well-known titles such as "The Copyright Handbook" by Stephen Fishman and "Patent, Copyright & Trademark" by Richard Stim , Ranina's latest work distinguishes itself by addressing the legal realities faced by Indian creators in today's fast-evolving digital economy.