Why is breaking the rules for copyright illegal?

Answer 1

One of the goals of copyright law is to encourage creativity by allowing creators a chance at ascribing value to their imagination and hard work.

For the user, this encouragement of creativity gives us more choices: because it is possible to make a living as a photographer, there are more photographers to choose from.

Answer 2

Some infringers are "bad actors," meaning they know it's wrong but do it anyway. I would suspect, however, that the vast majority of infringers genuinely do not know what the law allows, and believe what they're doing is fine.

Answer 3

Usually because it's easier, cheaper, or both to do the wrong thing than to do the right thing.

Answer 4

Most often because it's cheaper and easier than doing the right thing. In other cases, people don't understand what they're doing is violating someone else's rights.

Answer 5

Copyright is federal law; violating it is a federal offense.

Answer 6

Ignorance and greed