What is the punishment for online copyright infringement in India?

Answer By law4u team

punishment for online copyright infringement in India is governed by the Copyright Act, 1957, and certain provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000. However, please note that laws can change, and it's essential to consult with a legal expert or refer to the most recent legal sources for the latest information. Under the Copyright Act and related laws in India, copyright infringement can lead to both civil and criminal liabilities. The specific punishments for online copyright infringement may include: Civil Remedies: Injunction: The copyright owner can seek an injunction to stop the infringing activity. Damages or Compensation: The copyright owner can claim damages or compensation for the loss suffered due to the infringement. Account of Profits: The court may order the infringer to provide an account of profits earned through the infringement. Delivery Up: The court may order the infringer to deliver the infringing copies to the copyright owner for destruction. Criminal Penalties: Imprisonment: In cases of willful copyright infringement, the infringer can face imprisonment for a term that may extend to three years, along with a fine that may extend to Rs. 2,00,000. Repeat Offenders: For repeat offenders, the term of imprisonment may extend to five years, and the fine may extend to Rs. 3,00,000. Redress through IT Act: Under the Information Technology Act, 2000, certain acts related to online copyright infringement may be considered offenses, especially if they involve circumventing digital rights management (DRM) systems or infringing upon copyrighted material online. The penalties for offenses under the IT Act can include imprisonment, fines, or both. It's important to understand that the severity of the punishment can depend on various factors, including the nature of the infringement, the scale of the infringement, and whether it was done willfully or unknowingly. Additionally, civil actions for copyright infringement can result in civil suits, which may lead to compensation for the copyright owner.

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