Copyright law to be made digital-friendly

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, JUNE 12. The Centre is planning to amend the Copyright Law to tackle the problems posed by the arrival of digital technology.

Even though India is compliant with the Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), changes have become necessary due to the growth of information technology and the imperatives of globalisation. Even advanced countries such as the U.S. are confronted with copyright-related problems arising out of the advent of digital technology, the Education Secretary, Mr. M. K. Kaw, pointed out while inaugurating a meeting of State nodal officers dealing with copyright matters here today.

The ongoing meet is the first-ever conference at the central level to understand the difficulties faced by the States in enforcing the Copyright Law and arresting violations.

While attempting to tackle the challenges thrown up by digital technology, the Government is equally keen on tightening copyright norms pertaining to print and other media. The Centre has asked the States to strengthen the enforcement machinery by setting up special cells and by providing training to the police and other officials dealing with copyright violations. Although India is ahead of many other nations in this regard, Mr. Kaw said much more needed to be done. Early detection of crime and prompt prosecution of violators would help keep infringements in check.

The situation, he suggested, was challenging particularly with regard to the enforcement machinery. Copyright violations were becoming more complex and were continuing unabated, leading to huge revenue losses. Criminal administration had to be modernised and made more effective. Periodic review of the Copyright Law was essential.

The Centre had tried to provide a theoretical underpinning to this exercise by setting up IPR chairs in five universities, observed Mr. Kaw.

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Section  : National
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