Summary of Civil and Criminal Penalties for Violation of Federal Copyright Laws
Copyright infringement is the act of exercising, without permission or legal authority, one or more of the exclusive rights granted to the copyright owner under section 106 of the Copyright Act (Title 17 of the United States Code). These rights include the right to reproduce or distribute a copyrighted work. In the file-sharing context, downloading or uploading substantial parts of a copyrighted work without authority constitutes an infringement.
Penalties for copyright infringement include civil and criminal penalties. In general, anyone found liable for civil copyright infringement may be ordered to pay either actual damages or "statutory" damages affixed at not less than $750 and not more than $30,000 per work infringed. For "willful" infringement, a court may award up to $150,000 per work infringed. A court can, in its discretion, also assess costs and attorneys' fees. For details, see Title 17, United States Code, Sections 504, 505.
Willful copyright infringement can also result in criminal penalties, including imprisonment of up to five years and fines of up to $250,000 per offense.
For more information, please see the website of the U.S. Copyright Office at www.copyright.gov, especially their FAQ's at www.copyright.gov/help/faq.
This statement was prepared by the U.S. Department of Education, June 2010.
Kishwaukee College recognized two outgoing Board members at the Kishwaukee College Board of Trustees' special reorganizational meeting in April. Board Secretary Kathleen Spears and Trustee Kathleen Watkins were commended and received a plaque recognizing their dedicated service to the College.
Read MoreKishwaukee College seated Diego Gonzalez Zabala as the new Student Trustee on the College's Board of Trustees at the April meeting. Gonzalez Zabala was elected by his peers to the position and took over the role of outgoing Student Trustee Aiyanna Washington.
Read More