Film Studios Settle Civil Action Against Internet Pirate

On behalf of its member companies, the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) today announced a settlement agreement in their civil action against Antonio Daniele III and his mother, of Chicopee, MA for selling pirated films over an e-mail address on the Internet.  Mr. Daniele acknowledged engaging in the illegal sale of motion pictures and agreed to a judgment against him in the amount of $110,000.  Further, Mr. Daniele is enjoined from selling or distributing unauthorized videotapes.

 “Today’s settlement judgment is a just and appropriate end to this case.  Mr. Daniele willfully sold the film studios’ movies for his own financial reward, prospering off the creativity and hard work of others.  He demonstrated utter disrespect for the creators and distributors of the films, and offered a substandard, illegal product to the public.  The film studios have demonstrated they are prepared to aggressively protect their valuable products online and off, and we hope this case will persuade others to think twice before attempting to sell unauthorized film products over the Internet,” said Bill Shannon, Director, US Anti-Piracy Operations, MPAA.

The initial suit was filed in December 2000 and alleged the two defendants were in violation of US copyright laws and Massachusetts state statutory and common law.

The suit was initiated after MPAA investigators discovered Mr. Daniele advertising movies on Internet newsgroups, some of which were still in theatrical release.  MPAA investigators then ordered and received several pirated films including American Psycho, Shanghai Noon, Romeo Must Die and Beowulf.  MPAA investigators subsequently conducted a Voluntary Surrender at Daniele’s residence and he signed a written statement saying he would no longer sell illegal videotapes.  However, Daniele did not cease his illegal activities and in October 2000, MPAA again discovered Daniele selling films illegally and ordered and received several pirated films including: Payback, Scary Movie, Fight Club, Eyes Wide Shut and Cruel Intentions.  Subsequently, Plaintiffs filed the civil action.

The MPAA estimates that domestic video piracy costs the motion picture companies more than $250 million a year in potential revenues.  To battle this problem, the MPAA, on behalf of its member companies, directs a comprehensive worldwide anti-piracy program.  Since 1995, the MPAA has assisted U.S. law enforcement officials seize more than two million pirate videocassettes.  Domestically, the MPAA initiates more than 1,000 investigations into suspected piracy each year.

The MPAA offers a reward of up to $15,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of persons engaged in video piracy.  To report suspected video piracy operations, please call the MPAA’s Anti-Piracy Hotline: 1-800-NO-COPYS (1-800-662-6797) or e-mail hotline@mpaa.org.