In the News: Man gets 21 months in prison for bootlegging movies

Michael Logan was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison for recording movies in theaters with a camcorder.

The MPAA alleges that Logan was responsible for releasing over 100 movies illegally.

Logan’s case illustrates how bootlegging has become a harshly punished offense. In 2005, Congress passed the Family Entertainment and Copyright Act of 2005.

Under the Act, the unauthorized recording of a movie in a theater is charged as a felony. For a first offense, a defendant may receive up to 3 years in prison, plus fines. For a second or subsequent offense, a defendant may receive up to 6 years in federal prison, plus fines.

In addition to jail and fines, the defendant will also be subject to having their camcorders or other recording equipment seized. These federal charges can be filed in addition to whatever state laws may be applicable in a piracy case.

Lea Bickerton
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