Copyright infringement occurs when someone uses a work that is protected by copyright law without permission from the copyright holder. This can include copying, distributing, or displaying the work without authorization. In the United States, the penalties for copyright infringement can be severe, with potential fines of up to $150,000 per work infringed. In some cases, criminal charges may also be brought against the infringer, leading to imprisonment. To prove copyright infringement, the copyright holder must show that they own the copyright to the work in question and that the alleged infringer used the work without permission. This can be done by presenting evidence such as the original creation date of the work, registration with the Copyright Office, or a paper trail showing the unauthorized use. It is important for creators to protect their works by registering them with the Copyright Office and displaying copyright notices on their creations. By understanding the laws surrounding copyright infringement, creators can better protect their intellectual property and seek legal recourse if their rights are violated.