Washington D.C. Copyright Infringement and Illegal Streaming

The Protecting Lawful Streaming Act (PLSA), enacted as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, elevated the crime of large-scale, commercial illegal streaming to a felony. This law specifically targets those who provide, not just access, unauthorized content. It applies when an individual willfully and for commercial advantage or private financial gain offers a streaming service primarily designed for illegal purposes. The criminal penalties are outlined in 18 U.S. Code § 2319 and 17 U.S. Code § 506. For a first-time felony conviction, an individual may face up to five years in federal prison and substantial fines. If the defendant has a prior conviction, the maximum prison sentence can be extended to ten years.

Civil penalties are governed by 17 U.S. Code § 504, which gives copyright owners the option to pursue either actual damages or statutory damages. Actual damages are the real financial losses incurred by the rights holder, plus any profits the infringer gained from the illegal activity. Due to the difficulty of proving actual damages, most cases opt for statutory damages. Statutory damages allow a court to award a fixed amount per infringed work, regardless of the actual financial harm. A court can award between $750 and $30,000 for each work infringed, but if the infringement is proven to be "willful," the court can increase the award up to $150,000 per work.

An experienced legal professional can assess the specific circumstances of the case, determine the most viable defense, and navigate the complex federal court system. They can challenge the prosecution's evidence, analyze the validity of the copyright claim itself, and negotiate with the opposing party. This expert guidance is crucial from the moment an accusation is made, as early strategic decisions can significantly influence the outcome. Furthermore, a proactive legal advisor can also help clients understand compliance issues to prevent future infringements. Having skilled counsel can be the difference between a minor resolution and a career-ending felony conviction.

A successful defense often depends on the ability to collect and present crucial evidence. This includes server logs, website traffic data, financial records, and correspondence related to the alleged infringement. Thoroughly documenting and analyzing all relevant information is vital for building a strong case. This can help demonstrate a lack of "willful" intent or challenge the scope of the alleged infringement. It is also crucial to preserve this evidence properly from the outset, as any mishandling or deletion, even if unintentional, can weaken the defense.

Settlement discussions can be a highly effective way to resolve a copyright dispute and avoid the time, expense, and uncertainty of a trial. It provides a means to negotiate a reasonable resolution with the copyright holder. Such agreements often include confidentiality clauses, which protect the defendant's reputation from the public record of a court judgment. Negotiations may involve not only monetary payment but also specific agreements on future conduct, such as taking down the infringing content. A skilled attorney can help clients reach a favorable agreement that minimizes financial liability and prevents the matter from escalating.

If a settlement is not feasible or desirable, preparing for federal litigation is the next step. This involves filing motions, participating in discovery, and preparing for trial, a process that is both complex and demanding. This preparatory phase is intensive, requiring a meticulous review of all evidence and the development of a coherent trial strategy. Federal courts in the District of Columbia handle these complex cases, and a strong legal strategy grounded in federal law is essential for a successful defense. This includes meticulously preparing for depositions, expert witness testimonies, and the strict procedural rules that govern federal court proceedings.