MOSCOW, APRIL 2 - RAPSI. Internet providers will soon bear responsibility for violating intellectual property rights. Justice Minister Alexander Konovalov said on Monday that a new article is being introduced into the Civil Code stipulating general principles of responsibility for information mediators.

Earlier on Monday, President Dmitry Medvedev said he submitted amendments, drafted by a working group, to the Civil Code for the State Duma's consideration.

They are expected to come into effect on September 1.

"Pursuant to the article, information mediators transferring materials on the Internet or providing opportunities to third parties to publish materials on the Internet will bear responsibility for violating intellectual rights on a common basis if proven guilty," Konovalov said during a briefing with journalists.

Providers may be exempted from responsibility for violating intellectual rights if a number of conditions are fulfilled.