What happens if you get caught downloading copyrighted material from mp3?

Answer 1

The penalties for this can be rather stiff. A mid-western church years ago was fined $1 Million dollars (USD) for copying copyrighted music to use for their church choir. That action made lots of other churches think twice before churning out copied music for their own libraries.

The purpose of the copyright is pretty clear ... it is meant to protect the writers best interests ... this is how they make a living, feed and clothe their families - that is their right, and most people respect that.

Answer 2

In the United States, anyone found to have infringed a copyrighted work may be liable for statutory damages up to $30,000 for each work infringed and, if willful infringement is proven by the copyright owner, that amount may be increased up to $150,000 for each work infringed. In addition, an infringer of a work may also be liable for the attorney's fees incurred by the copyright owner to enforce his or her rights

Answer 3

In most cases, if you explain to the rightsholder that it was a mistake, and immediately destroy the offending material, they'll accept that. Unfortunately there are a few rightsholders out there who would probably sue you anyway, just because.

Answer 4

It depends upon two main issues:

1. is the use exempt under copyright statutes; or

2. do you have a license?

If neither answer is yes, the infringer could be sued for damages and injunction, court costs and attorney fees. Under US laws, if it is willful infringement for profit, the infringer could also possibly be charged with criminal infringement, fined or sent to federal prison.

Answer 5

You'll got to prison. Big-Bob will have his way with you bom chicka wah wah.

Answer 6

In the US, you are subject to fines ranging from $750 to $30,000, and extreme cases of willful infringement carry fines up to $250,000 and five years in prison.