E-Commerce Beware: The Rising Tide of IP Infringement

Due to tremendous increase in e-commerce all over the world, IP infringement, particularly in the field of e-commerce, has witnessed huge growth. It has put pressure on enforcement mechanisms and also created a need to ensure strong legal regimes. This article would focus on the complex issue of IP infringement in the context of e-commerce in India. The article encompasses different types of IP infringement such as abetting manufacture and sale of counterfeit products, copyright infringements, trademark infringement, patent infringements and the role of e-commerce platforms in IP protection. The article also summarizes national laws and international treaties that govern IP enforcement. Additionally, it provides a case study of how the judiciary is responding to these challenges and conclude with salient points on the need for international cooperation by all concerned stakeholders; the need for new legal regimes to deal with digital infringements, and the need of technology in ensuring robust IP protection in the marketplace.