Index
Copyright Act of 1976
Summary
Grants creators of original works exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, perform, display, and create derivative works for a limited time.
Rights & Rules
- 01.The creator holds the sole right to make copies of their original works (e.g., books, music, software, art).
- 02.The creator controls who can perform, display, or distribute their work publicly.
- 03.The creator can prevent others from using or adapting their work without permission.
Penalties
- 01.Statutory damages (up to $150,000 per infringed work for willful infringement).
- 02.Actual damages and infringer's profits.
- 03.Injunctions to stop infringing activity.
- 04.Criminal penalties (fines and imprisonment) in certain cases of willful infringement for commercial advantage.
Verified Citations
U.S. Copyright Office - Title 17, U.S. Code
Source"Title 17 of the United States Code is the federal statute that governs copyright law in the United States."