Patterns of Copyright Infringements and The Approach for Preventing Infringement of Copyright in The Thai Literary Work

Abstract

This research was to study the patterns of copyright infringements in Thai literary work in the present day and suggest an approach for preventing copyright infringements in Thai literary work. This research was qualitative, and the data were obtained from 9 key informants by purposive sampling and snowball sampling. A semi-structured interview was the primary method, and content analysis was employed for data analysis.

            The results revealed that today’s patterns of copyright infringements differed from the past because of technological development. The most common copyright infringement patterns were films, plays, dramas, and audiobooks. At the same time, these patterns were released to the public. Future trends of copyright infringement would be developed from legal gaps, showing that although offenders realized it was illegal, they had no fear of violating the law. Preventions of copyright infringement are to amend the law as a criminal case that cannot be tolerated and strictly enforced. The owners of Thai literary works must register copyright as evidence for prosecution. Moreover, the government should formulate a policy to raise public awareness to give importance to Thai literary works in cooperation with the private sector to ensure protection in all dimensions.

The results show that the today’s patterns of copyright infringement differ from the past because of technological development, founded as the followings: Reproduce of books and e-books. The adaption from books and e-books to films, stage plays, plays or audio books which is publicized through social media. Also, copyright infringements are by distribution, sale and publish known works that infringe copyright. The preventions of copyright infringement are to register a copyright notice, copyright law amendment, raise the awareness of copyright law and strictly enforce copyright law.