Index
CopyrightUnited States

Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA)

Summary

A federal law that criminalizes the production and dissemination of technology, devices, or services intended to circumvent digital rights management (DRM) and provides a 'safe harbor' for online service providers.

Rights & Rules

  • 01.
    Online platforms are protected from liability for user-uploaded copyright infringement if they follow specific notice-and-takedown procedures.
  • 02.
    Creators can legally demand that infringing digital content be removed from the internet.
  • 03.
    Users are generally prohibited from bypassing software locks or digital encryption on media.

Penalties

  • 01.
    Civil damages including actual losses and profits of the infringer.
  • 02.
    Statutory damages up to $25,000 per violation.
  • 03.
    Criminal penalties for willful violations including fines up to $500,000 and 5 years in prison.

Verified Citations

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