Materials on the Internet are like published matters and are hence eligible for copyright protection. A work on the Internet is not deemed to be in the public domain available automatically for free downloading, copying or circulation. Leave of the site owner is called for to copy, circulate or publish works uploaded on the Internet.
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998 is designed for copyright enforcement on Internet work. The said Act is also meant to protect Internet service providers and other intermediaries for copyright violations committed by their customers without their knowledge or consent.
Under the provisions of the said Act the aggrieved party whose copyright has been invaded must take up the matter with the concerned Internet service provider and major search engines for redress of his grievances.
The Act contains deterrent provisions for high fines and imprisonment for violation of copyright concerning works put on the Internet.
