Safeguarding a Unique American Industry

Film and television production supports 2.5 million American jobs and contributes nearly $80 billion each year to the U.S. economy. Recognizing the importance of this unique American industry--and other U.S. intellectual property industries--U.S. copyright laws reflect the highest international standards. In the United States, copyright owners may file civil lawsuits against copyright infringers, and the government may file criminal charges.

The Copyright Act of 1976 was the last comprehensive copyright law revision in the U.S. The Act was amended in 1982, substantially increasing the penalties for the illegal duplication of copyrighted material. Violating these statutes carries tough penalties, including fines and even incarceration for serious offenses.

Because copyright theft can take many forms, the Communications Act of 1984 and later amendments provide penalties and remedies for the theft of cable TV and satellite services, and the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998 prohibits the circumvention of technical measures used to protect copyrighted work.

In 2005, the Family Entertainment and Copyright Act made camcording in a theater a federal felony and established new penalties for pirating works that have not yet been released commercially. First-time violators can be sentenced to up to five years for these crimes and fined up to $250,000.

The clear message of U.S. copyright laws: Intellectual property rights are important to our nation, its economy and its creative industries and violating these laws is not worth it. Looking for your favorite TV shows and movies? Check out our growing list of easy, legitimate options.