Final answer:
If someone illegally downloads content, they might choose to pay a smaller fine to avoid more serious penalties for copyright infringement. These penalties can include educational seminars, community service, formal apologies, or facing a court trial. Copyrights provide legal protection for original works, prohibiting unauthorized reproduction.
Step-by-step explanation:
Individuals who have illegally downloaded content may face serious copyright infringement consequences. Rather than opting for a statutory fine, which in extreme cases could reach up to $150,000, many choose to settle for a smaller fine, such as the hypothetical $20 in the question. However, alternative penalties can include attending a copyright education seminar, performing community service, writing a letter of apology to the copyright holder, or facing a hefty court trial. The Law protects intellectual property through copyrights and patents. The U.S. Copyright Office states that a copyright is a form of legal protection for original works of authorship lasting for the life of the author plus 70 years and that no reproduction is permitted without the owner's consent.