{"id":36396,"date":"2021-10-11T11:02:39","date_gmt":"2021-10-11T05:32:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/?p=36396"},"modified":"2021-10-11T11:03:00","modified_gmt":"2021-10-11T05:33:00","slug":"software-copyright-infringement-in-india","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/software-copyright-infringement-in-india\/","title":{"rendered":"Software Copyright Infringement in India: Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap\">Under the copyright laws, protection is accessible only to the expression of an idea&amp; not the idea per se. The object of copyright protection in a software is not the underlying idea, but the algorithm used to manifest the idea. The computer program which possess the technical effect can be patented under the India Patent Act, 1970. As per CIS (Center for Interest and Society), the patenting authority has granted nearly 200 patents for a computer program from the year 1999 till Sep 2010. In general, a computer program that lacks the technical effect can avail protection under <a href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/copyright-registration\"><strong>Copyright registration<\/strong><\/a>. For copyright registration, computer programs or software must adhere to originality that reflects the programmer\u2019s effort and skill in a true sense. Software that lacks such characteristics might find it hard to avail copyright protection. Apart from being unique, the works should belong to Indian nationals to qualify for copyright registration. The content of this write-up revolves around some important facts regarding software copyright infringement in India.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">Page Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/software-copyright-infringement-in-india\/#What_Does_Software_Copyright_Mean_In_A_General_Context\" >What Does Software Copyright Mean In A General Context?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/software-copyright-infringement-in-india\/#What_Do_You_Mean_By_Software_Copyright_Infringement\" >What Do You Mean By Software Copyright Infringement?&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/software-copyright-infringement-in-india\/#What_Legal_Actions_Can_Be_Taken_To_Prevent_Software_Copyright_Infringement_In_India\" >What Legal Actions Can Be Taken To Prevent Software\nCopyright Infringement In India?&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/software-copyright-infringement-in-india\/#Common_end-users_queries_regarding_Software_copyright_infringement\" >Common end-users queries regarding Software copyright\ninfringement<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/software-copyright-infringement-in-india\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Does_Software_Copyright_Mean_In_A_General_Context\"><\/span>What Does Software Copyright Mean In A General Context?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>In a general sense, programs and software are the set of guidelines given to the computer system to undertake certain operations; the process comes under the ambit of literary work.\u00a0<\/li><li>In the purview of the Indian Copyright Act, 1957, section 2 (O), you can safeguard your valuable work of programming from illicit reproduction, copying, adapting, and translating. It comes under the regime of IPR in India.\u00a0<\/li><li>All the audio, graphics, coding, and videos used in the computer program are protected under the Act,\u00a0<\/li><li>The Indian Copyright Act safeguards the moral as well as economic rights of the owner of the computer program by rendering ownership, validation, &amp; royalties for the developed software.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li><li>In the purview of the prevailing Act if anyone strives to imitate the original work without the creator\u2019s consent, then the Registrar of copyrights has the right to take legal actions against the defaulter.\u00a0<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"text-left\"><b>Read our article<\/b>:<mark style=\"background: #fffd03 !important;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/copyright-infringement-notice-in-india\/\">Copyright Infringement Notice in India: Complete Overview<\/a><\/mark><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Do_You_Mean_By_Software_Copyright_Infringement\"><\/span>What Do You Mean By Software Copyright Infringement?&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Software piracy is a common jargon used to\nindicate the Infringement of original software. It is nothing but the imitation\nof someone\u2019s original work without their permission illicitly.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Following are the common examples of\nsoftware copyright infringement,&nbsp;<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Downloading the programs or\nsoftware from the web is a common act of infringement. Third parties illicitly\nupload the program on the web for free or at very few charges.<\/li><li>Another best example of\ncopyright infringement is End-user piracy, where the customers who used the\nunlicensed software on their computer systems and end up being an infringer. <\/li><li>Many times, the PC vendors\npre-install programs on the computer system even before the actual sale. Also,\nsome vendors use one licensed copy of the computer program for many systems.\nThis is also a type of copyright violation.&nbsp;<\/li><li>The sale of illicit imitative\ncopies of a computer program is the most common act of copyright\ninfringement.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>But, the following acts don\u2019t\nnecessarily considered as copyright violation; <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Owner producing copies of a\ncomputer program as a backup to counter future damage or loss.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Owner creating software copies\nfor personal use<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Legal_Actions_Can_Be_Taken_To_Prevent_Software_Copyright_Infringement_In_India\"><\/span>What Legal Actions Can Be Taken To Prevent Software\nCopyright Infringement In India?&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If any owner of the computer program comes\nacross the infringement act, he\/she has to right to sue the defaulter through\nunderlying legal provisions. Common legal actions to combat software copyright\ninfringement include;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Temporary or permanent\ninjunctions on the infringers.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Confiscation of all infringed\ncopies of the computer program or software.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Criminal prosecution<\/li><li>Monetary compensation&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In the purview of the Indian Copyright\nAct,1957, the&nbsp;criminal prosecution for computer program copyright\ninfringement involves jail terms of six months with a mini. monetary fine of Rs\n50,000. If the infringer comes out to be guilty the second time, the minimum\njail term for 1 year and a monetary fine of 1 lacs rupees.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The individual using the infringed copies of\nsoftware is also liable to face penal provision mentioned under the Act.\nFurthermore, the prosecution with a minimum jail term of at least 7 days and a\nminimum monetary fine of Rs 50000.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Common_end-users_queries_regarding_Software_copyright_infringement\"><\/span>Common end-users queries regarding Software copyright\ninfringement<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Following are some frequently asked\nquestions regarding violations of copyright software.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What should be my legal stance after receiving the notice\nfor copyright infringement?&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>The notice pertaining to software violation implies the act to avoid the court procedure &amp; settling the issue without the court\u2019s intervention.\u00a0<\/li><li>Furthermore, the notice implies sharing the matter to your attention &amp; it serves as a legal threat. If you come across the notice, the issue that raises to the court, then you should submit all the details of your software program.<\/li><li>Moreover, reviewers appointed by the concerned authority will examine the aforesaid documents.\u00a0<\/li><li>If the reviewer labelled you as a defaulter, <em><strong>financial compensation<\/strong><\/em><sup><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Financial_compensation\"><em><strong>[1]<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/sup>, permanent or temporary injunction, &amp; criminal prosecution will be conducted.<\/li><li>In addition, if you come out non-defaulter in the eye of law then you may demand the reimbursement of court proceeding charges &amp; compensation for your damages.\u00a0<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Does copyright infringement notice pose any risk to the\nend-users?&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>No, provided users opt to stay in line with\nunderlying legal actions suggested by the bylaws.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Leverage the following tactics to\ntackle such a situation; <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Don\u2019t overlook the legal\nsignificance of copyright infringement notice.<\/li><li>After confronting the notice,\ndo not rush to get in touch with the legal person or the copyright holder\nappointed by him\/her. It might lead to the disclosure of sensitive information\nabout the issue.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Get accustomed to the potential\nrepercussion of the issue. Keep your calm and dig down facts that are against\nyou.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Dig down all the charges\nagainst you.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Get in touch with a field\nexpert (preferably advocate) to defend your case.&nbsp;<\/li><li>What legal grounds can help me\ndefend my case effectively?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li>You have a solid reason to\nbelieve that the alleged infringement is valid under fair use.&nbsp;<\/li><li>You had no solid motive to\nrecognize the copyright.<\/li><li>You have substantial evidence\nof producing the software code before the advent of the concerned\nprogram.&nbsp;<\/li><li>You have already secured the\nwrit consent of the actual owner for copying the code<\/li><li>As per the copyright law, the\nconcerned program no longer adhered to copyright protection at the time of\nalleged infringement<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Software copyright infringement is a sensitive matter which is exposed to plenty of legal implications cited under the bylaws. That is why one must approach cautiously whenever such a situation strikes. It is advisable to avail professional help from an experienced advocate to present the case more effectively. This way you can keep hefty penalties out of the equation and solidify the chances of winning the case.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"text-left\"><b>Read our article<\/b>:<mark style=\"background: #fffd03 !important;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/avoid-copyright-infringement\/\">Legal Action Against Copyright Infringement Under the Copyright Act <\/a><\/mark><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Under the copyright laws, protection is accessible only to the expression of an idea&amp; not the idea per se. The object of copyright protection in a software is not the underlying idea, but the algorithm used to manifest the idea. The computer program which possess the technical effect can be patented under the India Patent [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":22,"featured_media":36417,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[190],"tags":[1988],"acf":{"service_id":"21"},"authorName":"Pankaj Tyagi","authorImageUrl":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/MicrosoftTeams-image-42.jpg","authorDescription":"Pankaj has a diverse experience of writing research papers, blog, and articles during his college time. Earlier, he was working as a tax consultant in a financial firm, but his interest in writing drives him to pursue a career in the writing field.","postViews":7676,"readingTime":4,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36396"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/22"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=36396"}],"version-history":[{"count":22,"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36396\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":36421,"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36396\/revisions\/36421"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/36417"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=36396"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=36396"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=36396"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}