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17 U.S.C. § 1204 — Criminal offenses and penalties

Verified against govinfo.gov as of June 20, 2026View official text on govinfo.gov
  1. (a)In GeneralAny person who violates section 1201 or 1202 willfully and for purposes of commercial advantage or private financial gain—
    1. (1)shall be fined not more than $500,000 or imprisoned for not more than 5 years, or both, for the first offense; and
    2. (2)shall be fined not more than $1,000,000 or imprisoned for not more than 10 years, or both, for any subsequent offense.
  2. (b)Limitation for Nonprofit Library, Archives, Educational Institution, or Public Broadcasting EntitySubsection (a) shall not apply to a nonprofit library, archives, educational institution, or public broadcasting entity (as defined under section 118(f)).
  3. (c)Statute of LimitationsNo criminal proceeding shall be brought under this section unless such proceeding is commenced within 5 years after the cause of action arose.