The
Anti-Piracy Warning Seal
The
graphic you see on this page--the FBI's Anti-Piracy
Warning Seal--was specifically created to deter illegal
practice and to increase public awareness of the penalties
associated with piracy.
Why? Because
piracy of media and other commercial goods causes huge
losses to the U.S. economy each year…and it's
American consumers who are paying the price.
Where
will the seal (and all statements that say "FBI
Anti-Piracy Warning") appear? On a
lot of different kinds of goods…subject to
the terms of licensing agreements. But right now,
we're just getting started.
As of
August 2006, the FBI has authorized use of the FBI Anti-Piracy
seal and warning by members of the Motion Picture Association
of America (MPAA), the Recording Industry Association of America
(RIAA), the Software & Information Industry Association
(SIIA), the Business Software Alliance (BSA) and the Entertainment Software Association
(ESA), subject to each member entering into a formal Uniform Authorization
Agreement. Association members should contact the MPAA, RIAA,
SIIA, BSA, or ESA for more information.
Now
we are evaluating the licensing arrangements we have with
members of these associations with a view towards permitting
the broadest possible public use of the seal by all individuals
and businesses with a copyright interest. Please check
this webpage periodically for updates on the status of this
initiative.
In
the meantime, it is perfectly fine for
anyone, without FBI approval, to use the following
generic language on material protected under U.S.
copyright law: "Warning: The unauthorized reproduction
or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal.
Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement
without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI
and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison
and a fine of $250,000."
A
last word to the wise: Unauthorized use
of the FBI seal, name, and initials are subject to
prosecution under Federal Criminal law, including
Sections 701, 709, and 712 of Title 18 of the United
States Code. |