Cognizability is one of the various kinds of classifications pertaining to offences. A cognizable offence is one for which a police officer may arrest without warrant. The cognizability of the offence of copyright infringement has been consistently debated and is a matter that the courts have considered in a number of cases. Since no clear picture as to cognizability of the offences is provided under the Copyright Act, 1957, one therefore has to consider the first schedule, part II of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPc), which divides offences (other than the ones falling under the Indian Penal Code) into following categories.

Aprajita Nigam and Mahima Madan discuss about infringement offences in Copyrights in their article published in IBLJ, which can be viewed at https://www.vantageasia.com/copyright-infringement-offences-cognizable-not/

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.