Consequences of Content Infringement
The losses suffered through content infringement directly affect the profitability of various industries. Because of the money lost to infringers, publishers and other content providers have fewer resources to devote to the research, writing and development of new works and have less revenue to justify lowering subscription prices or offering content for free.
Copyright infringement obviously hurts the copyright owners, but it's also risky business for consumers. Even setting aside the risk of litigation and civil or criminal penalties, there are common-sense business reasons to avoid infringement. Following are just a few of the practical reasons why the user benefits from obeying the copyright laws.
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Infringement drives up the cost publishers must charge to all law-abiding consumers.
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If the content you are using has been illegally copied and distributed, you will not be able to contact the copyright owner with questions or problems.
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Digital infringers increase their risk of catching a debilitating virus that can destroy valuable data.
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Infringers may find that the content is actually an outdated or incorrect version.
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Infringers risk potential negative publicity and public and private embarrassment.