The UKIPO has signalled that the penalties for online copyright infringement should mirror those in the offline world.

This could mean fines of up to £50,000 being imposed for online copyright infringement if the recommendations are made law.

The report states “Copyright infringement is a serious economic crime. It is important that the penalties available are proportionate to the harm caused to UK industries and that they act as an effective deterrent. For this reason we intend to consult on introducing exceptional summary maxima (above £5,000) in the Magistrates’ Courts for offences of online and physical copyright infringement.”

This is a sure reason for copyright owners to protect their valuable work and to be able to easily prove that they are the owners of that work. By using the IP Lab copyright depository service, owners are able to do just that and this in turn would enable them to substantiate any claims they may have in the future.