File Sharing Lawyers

When two people share files, one person downloads the other person’s file. You can download shared files, which frequently include music or movies, both directly from the Internet and through more intimate “peer-to-peer” networks. Shared files are typically kept on and made accessible by a person’s personal computer.

Is it Legal to Share Files?

There are ways to share files in an entirely legal manner. However, downloading or sharing copies of content that is protected by copyright without the owner’s consent is prohibited.

Regardless of any moral debates around the topic of file sharing, recent legal developments have resulted in the music and film industries suing specific individuals.

Illustrations of Online Copyright Violations

Investigations into and legal action against the following forms of internet copyright violations are frequent:

• Downloading unauthorized copies of copyrighted audio and video content, even if you don’t share it with other users
• Joining a file-sharing network that isn’t allowed to distribute or make copies of music or video content
• Burning copyrighted CDs for your friends and peers and sending copies of music or videos via email to people you know are all examples of violating the law.

How Does the Government Establish Responsibility for Copyright Violations?

The government must “show that a defendant willfully violated a copyright and did so for commercial profit or personal financial gain,” according to the Federal Trade Commission. These legal facets of file sharing apply to both those who obtain and distribute content as well as those who design file-sharing networks.

The owners of the file-sharing network are nonetheless accountable for copyright infringement since they are making money from the website and are aware that information is being shared, even if they claim “willful blindness” about it. People are accountable because they save money after downloading the free, copyrighted content and turning it into a personal financial advantage.

The federal government has started a number of operations to impose the legal requirements for file sharing and prosecute those responsible for such websites and individuals. The U.S. Department of Justice initiated “Operation Digital Gridlock,” one of its largest operations. Over 40 gigabytes of illegal content were seized as a result of the operation.

Distributing Pornography

A person may unwittingly distribute child pornography and other types of pornography using file-sharing networks.

Most file-sharing programs are configured to automatically redistribute and make content that has been downloaded by a user available. Therefore, if someone unintentionally downloads a pornographic file, they are responsible for spreading pornography because the contents may be shared without their knowledge.

Several prosecutions were brought against the impacted defendants, and the penalties were severe.

Self-Regulation in the Industry

Even though the legal implications of file sharing have resulted in numerous cases, it continues to happen at an unparalleled rate. Due to this, many internet service providers have started issuing their own warnings.

Major internet service providers started issuing warnings before consumers downloaded pirated content in October and November of 2012. A number of warnings are given, and legal action may even be threatened if downloading continues. If a customer continues to download unauthorized content, the main internet service providers may potentially slow down their connections.

What Are the Signs that Something Is Copyrighted?

Consider whether the song, movie or other software can be purchased as a general rule of thumb. Instances of data that are copyrighted or otherwise protected include:

• A piece of well-known music that you might purchase offline or online.
• A DVD or movie that you would watch in a cinema.
• A TV program that might be available on DVD.
• An application or game you would purchase from a retailer.

What Might Occur if I’m Discovered?

The penalties for engaging in illegal copyright infringement depend on current federal law as well as local laws in your location. Each song, movie, or piece of software that you download or distribute could result in a fine. If proven guilty, this could result in a sizable fine if you’ve downloaded hundreds of songs or other things. A guy in Hong Kong received a maximum four-year prison term for file-sharing on a BitTorrent service.

Even though you or someone you know has probably never been caught sharing or downloading copyrighted or other legally protected data, it is still illegal. Your local laws may allow you to be found guilty of a crime if you are caught. The longer you download copyrighted or otherwise restricted content, the more probable it is that you will be discovered.

It may be tempting, but breaking copyright laws by downloading music or movies or sharing data with pals can have serious repercussions. Please familiarize yourself with the rules of the law and abide by them. Otherwise, you and your family can pay the price for your conduct.

There are many safe, approved sites for downloading music files.

What Laws Affect Sharing of Files?

Numerous American laws safeguard intellectual property rights. When discussing file sharing, the following federal laws are frequently cited.

The 1997 No Electronic Theft (NET) Act outlaws the reproduction, distribution, and sharing of copied electronic copyrighted works (including songs, movies, games, and software programs), even if the copier or distributor acts without compunction.

The 1998 Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) criminalizes both the production and dissemination of technology that circumvents anti-piracy measures and increases the penalties for copyright infringement on the Internet

What Should I Do If I Get a Notice of Copyright Infringement?

It is entirely feasible to inadvertently violate someone else’s copyright. The Record Industry Association of America (RIAA) has been aggressive in tracking down and making an effort to prosecute anyone who shares music that is protected by copyright.

However, ignorance of the law’s violation will not be a defense against copyright infringement.

Therefore, if someone has not considered the legality of their online behavior before receiving a notice of infringement, they should promptly become familiar with the accusations made against them.

Federal Penalties for Infringing Copyright

A person determined to have violated a copyrighted work may be held accountable under federal law for real damages, lost earnings directly related to the violation, and statutory damages ranging from $200 to $150,000 per violation.

Additionally, the copyright owner has the power to seize and destroy any infringing copies and equipment and permanently bar an offender from engaging in further infringement. The infringer of a work may also be liable for the attorney’s fees and court costs if the copyright owner employed a lawyer to enforce their rights.

Finally, depending on the severity of the offense, the offender may also face criminal sanctions, which might range from up to 10 years in prison. The individual committing the infraction, or who is responsible for it, need not always be conscious that what they are doing is against the law. The absence of knowledge or intent is not a defense to a copyright infringement claim and does not excuse the breach.

Do I Need an Attorney?

Copyright violation is not excused by ignorance. Therefore, you should get in touch with a copyright attorney as quickly as possible if someone has accused you of illicit file sharing or copyright infringement. A lawyer will be able to explain your rights to you and, if necessary, act as your representative in court.