The Copyright Amendment Act of 2012 made several changes to clarify rights over artistic works, films, and sound recordings to address challenges in the digital era and cyberspace. It introduced definitions for terms like "commercial rental" to meet obligations under international treaties. The amendments also aimed to facilitate access to copyrighted works through additions like compulsory licensing, statutory licensing, and fair use provisions for digital works. Other changes strengthened protection of technological measures, digital rights management information, and included administrative amendments.

1. Copyright Amendment Act, 2012
By Atul S. Jaybhaye
Assistant Professor
Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur
B.A.,LL.M.,NET
6/26/2020 1

2. Introduction
• The Copyright Act, 1957 has been amended
five times i.e.
1983,
1984,
1992,
1994,
1999
• Recent Amendment is of 2012.

3. Highlights of the Amendments
• Rights in artistic works, cinematographic Films and
Sound recording:
 The amendments have made some changes that
clarify the rights in artistic works, cinematograph
films and Sound recordings.
 These amendments address technological issues like
storing and digital era challenges in cyberspace.

4. Highlights of the Amendments
• WPPT and WCT related amendments:
 The obligation under Art. 11 of TRIPS and Art. 7 of
WCT and Art. 9 of WPPT provides for commercial
rental rights for computer program and
cinematograph film.
 The current amendment has introduced a definition
of the term ‘commercial rental’ in sec. 2(fa) of the
Act.

5. Highlights of the Amendments
• Facilitating access to works:
a. Compulsory license
b. Statutory license
c. Fair use in digital works
d. Compulsory license for the disabled persons etc

6. Highlights of the Amendments
• Other amendments:
 Protection of technological measures.
 Digital rights management information.
 Administrative and other amendments.

7. Thank you…