Protecting Digital Intellectual Property: An Indian Scenario

Abstract

Developments in information communication technologies has brought about an accelerated information explosion and huge change in how information is being produced, processed, stored and communicated. Information is now being made available in digital format accessed via electronic networks such as the Internet, and being stored or preserved in digital archives or collections. In addition, digital information can be manipulated and disseminated very easily. Such forms of development have resulted in major concerns in the protection of digital information sources under existing copyright and other related laws and regulations. This Paper examines the efforts being made to revise copyright laws in order to include the protection of digital information sources, and the role library and information professionals and institutions around the world, can play to ensure that revised copyright laws do not have a negative impact on the free flow of information and access to digital information sources. The situation regarding copyright laws, digital information and libraries in India is discussed and numbers of observations are made. Also discusses the role of IFLA for protecting electronic Intellectual Property Right. It focuses on various categories of Intellectual Property Rights viz. Patent, Design, Trade Marks and Copyright in the light of utility of information related to Indian scenario.