LOS ANGELES – In a brazen display of disregard for intellectual property laws, Trevon Maurice Franklin, 21, has been arrested and charged with reproducing and distributing a copyrighted work, a felony offense that carries a statutory maximum penalty of three years in federal prison.
According to court documents, Franklin allegedly uploaded the movie Deadpool to his Facebook page approximately eight days after its February 2016 release to theaters, making it available for over 5 million people to view.
The Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, the rightful owner of the movie’s copyright, was victimized by Franklin’s actions, which have left many questioning the severity of the punishment for such a blatant disregard for intellectual property rights.
Franklin, who used the screen name “Tre-Von M. King,” is expected to make his initial court appearance this afternoon in United States District Court in Fresno, where he will face the consequences of his actions.
The case against Franklin is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which has been cracking down on copyright infringement cases in recent years.
The prosecution of Franklin’s case is being led by Assistant United States Attorneys Ryan White and Vicki Chou of the Cyber and Intellectual Property Crimes Section.
In a statement, the F.B.I. emphasized the importance of protecting intellectual property rights and the severe consequences that come with violating them.
As of now, Trevon Maurice Franklin remains in custody, awaiting his initial court appearance. The outcome of this case is yet to be determined, but one thing is clear: the consequences of violating intellectual property rights can be severe.
Trevon Maurice Franklin, a 21-year-old man from Fresno, has been arrested on a federal charge of copyright infringement. He allegedly uploaded the movie Deadpool to his Facebook page, making it available for over 5 million people to view.
Franklin is charged with reproducing and distributing a copyrighted work, a felony offense that carries a statutory maximum penalty of three years in federal prison. He is expected to make his initial court appearance in United States District Court in Fresno.
The case against Franklin is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution of his case is being led by Assistant United States Attorneys Ryan White and Vicki Chou of the Cyber and Intellectual Property Crimes Section.
Trevon Maurice Franklin’s case is a stark reminder of the importance of protecting intellectual property rights. The consequences of violating these rights can be severe, and Franklin’s actions, which make him eligible for up to three years in federal prison, demonstrate the seriousness of the situation.
Franklin’s arrest and charging are a significant step in the fight against copyright infringement. It is a message to those who would seek to violate intellectual property rights that they will be held accountable for their actions.
Key Facts
- State: California
- Category: Cybercrime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
CybercrimeCybercrimeCybercrimeCybercrime