What are the penalties for copyright infringement?

The author or holder of his/her licensee (in some cases) can take legal action where there is an infringement of his/her rights. The remedies provided include delivery of the infringing material, damages and an interdict preventing further infringement of his/her rights. The courts have the power to award additional damages where there has been a flagrant infringement of copyright.

The Copyright Act also makes provision for criminal penalties - a fine (of R5 000) and/or imprisonment of up to three years per infringement for a first conviction. The maximum fine and/or imprisonment penalty for second conviction is R10 000 and/or five years, per infringement.