What are the penalties for accessing copyrighted material without permission?

In North Carolina, accessing copyrighted material without permission is a violation of the law and can lead to penalties. Penalties for copyright infringement can range from an injunction that requires the offending party to cease the infringement to paying fines and damages of up to $150,000 per work infringed. Depending on the severity of the violation, criminal charges may be brought against the offender. Prosecutors may seek jail time, a criminal fine, and restitution. In addition to monetary penalties, the copyright holder may also have the right to obtain an injunction from a court order to prevent further infringement. This can limit the use of the material, or even forbid it entirely. The copyright holder may also be able to collect attorney fees and court costs if they prevail in a case. Courts may also force an infringer to pay any profits made from the infringement to the copyright holder. If the infringer was aware that the material was copyrighted, they may be found to have "willfully" infringed upon the copyright, which can lead to higher fines and more severe penalties. Overall, it is important to remember that accessing copyrighted material without permission is illegal and can lead to serious penalties. Before using any material, it is important to ensure that you have the proper permission to use it.

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What are the penalties for accessing copyrighted material without permission?

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