Anti-Piracy Warning Seal

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.

Since 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.

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.

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 five 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. Also read about “Fair Use Warnings” accompanied by the FBI seal that have been posted on various websites, giving the false appearance that the FBI has created or authorized these notices to advise the public about  the fair use doctrine in U.S. copyright law.