THE AUTHORITY OF OFFICIALS TO SUSPEND THE PUBLISHING OF ONLINE COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT AUDIOVISUAL MATERIALS

Abstract

In this academic paper, the author aims to study the law related to online copyright-infringement of audiovisual media according to Copyright Act, B.E. 2537 (1994) in order to raise the problem which Thai government agencies having no applicable authorities to restrain and refrain online audio-visual media piracy promptly upon being complained. The owner of copyright and those who have lawful right may suffer damages. According to the study, the author found that the existing legal process was lengthy as compared to the piracy process which spread widely and quickly. The author suggests that relevant officials according to the copyright law or police shall have authorities to restrain and refrain the online copyright-infringing audiovisual media publicity and make an arrest even without warrant due to a flagrant offence against copyright of online audiovisual media publicity. This case should apply the same principle with the exercise of power of arrest and search at private place in general criminal cases and the exercise of power of drug prevention and suppression according to Narcotics Control Act, B.E. 2519 (1976).