Suriya starrer 'Maatraan', which opened big on Friday all over the world, is protected against piracy by a Court order.

"AGS Entertainment Pvt Ltd for its feature film Maatraan has sought relief against acts of piracy committed on the internet and video sales of DVDs, CDs etc before the Hon'ble Madras High Court. AGS has filed a John Doe suit, against various Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and unknown persons who would indulge in acts of piracy by uploading, downloading, selling DVDs, CDs etc of the feature film," stated a press release.

It further said: "Hon'ble Justice Chandru after hearing the matter was pleased to pass orders directing various ISPs to block access to websites which would illegally broadcast MAATRRAAN within 24 hours upon receipt of information of such websites from AGS."

"Justice Chandru in passing this path-breaking order, which is the first under the Copyright Amendment Act 2012, observed that the purpose of the Copyright Amendment Act was to enlarge and protect the rights of copyright holders including producers of films. The Order in its scope is very clear stating that only those websites which broadcast the film illegally are to be blocked, upon AGS verifying and informing ISPs of the same," said the statement.

AGS was represented by A A Mohan, Senior Partner, Mohan Associates in this matter. Mohan has commented that "This suit is a groundbreaking one, exemplifying the purpose of the Copyright Amendment Act. The statutory relief to film producers is definitely a big boost in the fight against piracy by the film industry and I hope this along with technical measures can work to curb the menace of online piracy. This order also provides much required clarity in the spate of John Doe orders across India and streamlines the rights of producers and other copyright holders".

Watch - Rendezvous with Suriya on 'Maatraan'