17 USC 1204
Criminal offenses and penalties

Executive summary:

This document contains one section of the U.S. Copyright Act (found in Title 17 of the United States Code). This page was last updated in October 2005. All of the sections of the Copyright Act are listed on the Index page.

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§1204. Criminal offenses and penalties

(a)

In general. Any person who violates section 1201 or 1202 1201 or 1202willfully and for purposes of commercial advantage or private financial gain--

(1)

shall be fined not more than $ 500,000 or imprisoned for not more than 5 years, or both, for the first offense; and

(2)

shall be fined not more than $ 1,000,000 or imprisoned for not more than 10 years, or both, for any subsequent offense.

(b)

Limitation for nonprofit library, archives, educational institution, or public broadcasting entity. Subsection (a) shall not apply to a nonprofit library, archives, educational institution, or public broadcasting entity (as defined under section 118(g) [17 USC 118(g)].

(c)

Statute of limitations. No criminal proceeding shall be brought under this section unless such proceeding is commenced within 5 years after the cause of action arose.