Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA)

Summary

Implements two 1996 WIPO treaties and addresses the relationship between copyright and the internet, specifically targeting technology that circumvents digital rights management.

Rights & Rules

01.
Right of copyright owners to request removal of infringing content via takedown notices
02.
Safe harbor protection for service providers who comply with removal requests
03.
Right to use digital locks to protect content

Penalties

01.
Fines up to $500,000 for a first offense
02.
Imprisonment for up to five years for criminal violations
03.
Civil damages including actual losses or statutory damages

Verified Citations

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