Protection of Copyright in the Digital Environment in Russia

1) What measures should be taken to protect copyright on music, videos, and images on the internet?

To protect copyrights of music, videos and images on the Internet, it is recommended to:

1. Depositing copyrights with the appropriate authorities to confirm legal ownership;
2. Using watermarks, digital imprints and metadata to identify content;
3. Establishing clear terms of use through license agreements;
4. Monitoring the Internet with specialized services to detect infringements;
5. In case of infringement - filing claims, requesting platforms to remove content or initiating legal proceedings;
6. Implement technical protection measures (e.g. DRM) to prevent unauthorized copying and distribution.

2) What are the specifics of copyright protection for content posted on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram?

The specifics of copyright protection for content posted on platforms like YouTube, TikTok and Instagram are as follows:

1. Platform Terms of Use: These platforms grant users a license to use the content, which may limit the rights of the author. It is important to carefully review user agreements and monetization terms;
2. Automatic Content ID system (on YouTube): Allows you to automatically detect and manage copyright infringements, block or monetize infringing content;
3. Complaint and Removal Mechanisms: Platforms have infringement complaint procedures (DMCA notices) that allow for quick removal of infringing content or requests to block it;
4. Limited protection: Unlike copyright escrow, protection on platforms is often based on contractual terms and automated systems, requiring active monitoring and timely response;
5. Copyrights and licenses: When using other people's content, it is important to have the appropriate licenses or permissions, otherwise the risk of infringement increases;
6. Legal liability: Copyright infringement can lead to blocking, fines or litigation, so it is advisable to keep a record of your rights and respond to infringements in a timely manner.

In general, copyright protection on such platforms requires a combination of technical measures, knowledge of platform conditions and active monitoring of content.

3) What legal restrictions apply to the use of third-party content on social media, and what measures can be taken to ensure compliance with copyright laws?

The following basic restrictions apply when using other people's content on social networks:

• Prohibition on unauthorized copying and distribution: using content without the consent of the copyright holder is considered copyright infringement, which can lead to blocking, removal of content and legal consequences;
• License restrictions and platform terms and conditions: many platforms prohibit the use of content without appropriate rights or licenses, and violation of these terms and conditions may result in sanctions from the administration;
• Copyright protection through automated systems (e.g. Content ID on YouTube): automated tools can block or monetize infringing content.

To avoid copyright infringement when using other people's content on social networks, it is recommended to:

• Obtain permission from the copyright holder or purchase licenses to use materials;
• Use only your own original content or public domain material;
• Use fragments (fragmented content) within the framework of the principle of fair use, but only under the following conditions: minimum volume, comments or criticism, non-commercial purpose;
• To indicate the source and the author, if it is stipulated in the license or agreement.

Check the terms of use of the platform to ensure that your actions comply with the rules of the service.

4) What legal steps can be taken in response to the unauthorized use of content online?

In case of unauthorized use of content on the Internet, it is recommended to:

• Collect evidence of the violation (screenshots, links, dates, draw up a protocol of site inspection, etc.);
• Contact the violator with a written complaint with a demand to stop using and remove the content;
• If the violation continues, file a complaint on the platform (e.g., through the DMCA or similar mechanisms);
• If ignored - contact a lawyer to prepare and file a copyright claim in court;
• As a remedy, escrow the copyright to strengthen your litigation position.

5) What legal risks arise when distributing digital content internationally?

Key risks when distributing digital content internationally:

• Copyright infringement – laws vary by country, and content legal in one jurisdiction may violate rights in another;
• Licensing issues – lack of distribution rights in a specific country may lead to lawsuits;
• Blocking and censorship – some countries restrict content for political or cultural reasons;
• Tax and customs complications – digital services may be subject to local taxes;
• Platform liability – in the EU (DSM Directive) and other regions, platforms are responsible for content filtering.

To mitigate risks, analyze target countries' legislation, use clear licensing agreements, and engage local representatives.

6) How can a company working in digital content implement a copyright protection policy?

To implement an effective copyright protection policy in a company working with digital content, the following measures are recommended:

• Develop internal regulations that clearly define the procedures for creating, using, and distributing content while respecting copyright;
• Implement a digital content monitoring system (e.g., using Content ID or similar technologies) to detect violations;
• Train employees on copyright basics and content handling rules;
• Use technical protection measures (DRM, watermarks).
• Conclude licensing agreements with rights holders and partners;
• Develop a mechanism for prompt response to violations (filing complaints, claims, lawsuits).

It is important to regularly update the policy in accordance with changes in legislation and technologies.

7) What international agreements and laws regulate copyright protection on the internet, and how are they applied in practice?

Key international agreements regulating copyright protection online and their practical application:

• Berne Convention (1886) – establishes minimum standards for copyright protection, including automatic protection without registration.
• TRIPS Agreement (1994) – requires member countries (including Russia) to implement effective enforcement mechanisms, including in the digital environment.
• WIPO Copyright Treaty (1996) – recognizes protections against DRM circumvention and online content distribution.
• EU Copyright Directive (2019) – mandates platforms to filter content and obtain licenses from rights holders.

In practice, these norms are enforced through national laws (in Russia – Civil Code, Art. 1270, 1301). Courts consider international standards, but outcomes depend on local legislation. Platforms (YouTube, social media) use systems like Content ID for compliance. For protection, it’s crucial to register rights, use licenses, and file complaints for violations.

8) What should be taken into account when entering into licensing agreements for the use of digital content?

When licensing digital content on the internet, the key factor is precise definition of usage methods (reproduction, distribution, making available to the public) and the amount of remuneration. Special attention is required for distinguishing between simple and exclusive licenses, as this affects the possibility of multiple licensing and payment obligations.

Russian legislation provides for automatic emergence of copyright without registration, but the license territory is limited to the Russian Federation by default. Improper drafting of licensing agreements can lead to copyright infringement disputes and significant financial losses.

9) How can copyright infringement be monitored online, and what actions should be taken in response to detected instances of piracy?

For effective monitoring, it is recommended to use automated violation tracking systems. Violations can be documented using specialized services that create digital protocols accepted by courts.

When violations are detected, it is recommended to first send a claim to the administrator of the website where unauthorized content is identified, and then proceed to court or Roskomnadzor.

10) What sanctions are provided for copyright infringement on the internet, and how can their enforcement be ensured?

Civil-law remedies for copyright infringement on the Internet include the recovery of damages or compensation:

• in the amount from ten thousand rubles to five million rubles;
• in double the amount of the cost of counterfeit copies of the work;
• in double the amount of the cost of the right to use the work, determined based on the price that under comparable circumstances is usually charged for lawful use of the work in the manner used by the infringer.

Protection of exclusive rights to intellectual property results is carried out by filing special claims in court.

As interim measures in cases of exclusive rights infringement, proportionate protective measures may be adopted corresponding to the scope and nature of the violation, including the imposition of a ban on carrying out corresponding actions on the Internet.