What is the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA)?

The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) is a United States copyright law that implements two 1996 treaties of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The law was intended to update U.S copyright law to cover modern digital media. The DMCA is designed to protect the rights of copyright holders, while recognizing the legitimate interests of users of copyrighted works. The DMCA does this by creating a “safe harbor” from copyright infringement liability for internet service providers and other online intermediaries. Under the DMCA, these providers can’t be held liable for copyright infringement if they meet certain conditions, such as removing allegedly infringing material when notified. Additionally, the DMCA provides a process for copyright owners to request that material be removed from websites. In North Carolina, the DMCA is enforced by the US Copyright Office, the US Department of Justice, and the Federal Trade Commission. The state also enforces its own laws regarding intellectual property, such as the North Carolina Copyright Act. Under the North Carolina Copyright Act, it is illegal to reproduce, distribute, or publicly perform someone else’s work without permission. Anyone who violates the DMCA or the North Carolina Copyright Act may be subject to civil and criminal penalties. It is important to remember the importance of properly respecting copyright and other intellectual property laws in North Carolina.

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What is the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA)?

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