What is the Digital Media Copyright Act?

The Digital Media Copyright Act (DMCA) is a law passed in Washington in 1998 that gives copyright owners control over how their works are used online. Under this law, copyright owners are allowed to place digital locks on their works, such as music, movies and software. These digital locks, or technological measures, prevent users from copying, modifying, or distributing the original work. If someone tries to break the digital locks, they can be found liable under the DMCA for copyright infringement. Additionally, any website hosting digital content must also adhere to the DMCA by taking down any infringing content upon notice from the copyright holder. Lastly, the DMCA outlines the process for receiving an exception to the copyright law, known as a “fair use.” These exceptions are granted under specific circumstances, such as for educational, research, or parody purposes. All in all, the DMCA is an important part of Washington’s intellectual property laws, as it helps protect the rights of copyright owners and provides a balance to the rights of internet users.

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What is the Digital Media Copyright Act?

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