Copyright infringement can lead to various penalties, including:
1. Legal Action: The original creator may file a lawsuit against the person selling their music without authorization, seeking compensation for damages and an injunction to prevent further infringement.
2. Monetary Damages: The copyright owner can seek monetary compensation for the revenue lost due to unauthorized sales of their music. This can include profits made from the sale of the music, as well as any potential licensing or royalties that were missed.
3. Impounding and Destruction of Infringing Copies: The court may order the seizure and destruction of any infringing copies of the music, including physical copies and digital files, to prevent further unauthorized distribution.
4. Civil Penalties: In certain jurisdictions, copyright infringement may result in civil penalties or fines beyond actual damages incurred by the copyright owner.
5. Criminal Prosecution: In severe cases, copyright infringement may even lead to criminal prosecution, particularly for commercial distribution of copyrighted music on a large scale. Criminal charges can result in imprisonment and substantial fines.
6. Loss of Reputation: Engaging in copyright infringement can damage the reputation of the person selling the unauthorized music, potentially affecting future business opportunities and relationships within the music industry.
It's important to obtain the appropriate licenses and permissions before using or selling someone else's music to ensure compliance with copyright laws and avoid legal repercussions. If in doubt, consulting a legal expert or seeking legal advice from a copyright attorney is recommended to ensure compliance and protect against potential legal issues.