[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 135 (Friday, July 13, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 41316-41320]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-16506]


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DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

41 CFR Part 128-1

[Docket No. FBI 151]
RIN 1110-AA32


Federal Bureau of Investigation Anti-Piracy Warning Seal Program

AGENCY: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Justice.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: In this document, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) 
finalizes its proposed regulation regarding the FBI Anti-Piracy Warning 
Seal (APW Seal). The final rule provides a general authorization 
allowing all copyright holders to use the APW Seal, subject to specific 
conditions of use.

DATES: This rule is effective on August 13, 2012.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John C. Allender, FBI Office of the 
General Counsel, telephone number 202-324-8088.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In this document, the FBI finalizes a 
regulation proposed on September 7, 2011 (76 FR 55332), regarding the 
FBI APW Seal Program. In this regulation, the FBI extends access to the 
APW Seal to all United States copyright holders, subject to specific 
conditions of use.

A. Discussion

    The FBI APW Seal is a modified image of the FBI's Official Seal 
with the words ``FBI Anti-Piracy Warning'' superimposed on it. The APW 
Seal was designed to graphically enhance the impact of language warning 
users of copyrighted media about the potential consequences of 
intellectual property crime, and the FBI's role in investigating such 
crime. It serves as a vivid and widely recognizable reminder of the 
FBI's authority and mission with respect to the protection of 
intellectual property rights.
    Beginning in December 2003, the FBI implemented a pilot program in 
which the FBI entered into separate Memoranda of Understanding with 
each of five entertainment and software industry associations. Members 
of these associations were able to request approval to use the APW Seal 
from the association, and the association administered the process and 
record-keeping. Largely as a result of this program, the APW Seal and 
its anti-piracy message have reached a large segment of the public. 
Unfortunately, the pilot program also had the effect of excluding non-
members of these five associations from being able to use the APW Seal 
on their works.
    In order to enhance the availability, use, and effectiveness of the 
APW Seal on lawful, copyright-protected works, this rule establishes a 
regulation governing the use of the APW Seal. The image of the APW Seal 
will be made available on the FBI's Web site, and it may be downloaded 
for use on eligible works as specified in the text of the regulation 
below. There will be no fee associated with using the APW Seal. This 
regulation will be a significant improvement over the current program, 
which has tended to limit the use of the APW Seal and requires each 
user to enter into a written agreement governing the use. Once this 
regulation is effective, the FBI will work with the participating 
associations to terminate the pilot program.

B. Overview of Public Comments Received

    All public comments were considered in preparing this final rule. 
Of the forty-five comments received, most expressed general agreement 
with the proposed rule. Twenty-four comments specifically noted the 
benefits of expanding the use of the APW Seal beyond the five 
associations participating in the pilot program. Many of these spoke 
favorably about eliminating the financial and administrative obstacles 
to use of the APW Seal under the pilot program. Four comments noted the 
benefits of speed and ease of access offered by the proposed on-line 
process for obtaining the APW Seal.
    The comments received from self-identified copyright holders 
expressed strong support for the proposed rule. For example, two 
comments from organizations in the spectator sports and independent 
film industries highlighted the direct negative impact that copyright 
piracy has on each industry. These comments noted that the ``perishable 
nature'' of live sporting events and the need to justify income 
projections in order to secure financing for independent films leaves 
these industries vulnerable to the financial consequences of piracy. 
These comments support the FBI's belief that increased availability of 
the APW Seal will assist copyright holders in educating users and 
protecting their works from piracy.
    Six comments expressed opposition to the proposed rule, noting 
various concerns either with the effectiveness of the APW Seal program 
in deterring piracy generally, or with the new direction outlined in 
the proposed rule. These included assertions that the APW Seal and 
accompanying warning do not effectively deter piracy of intellectual 
property and are a waste of FBI resources; that the lack of positive 
control over who downloads the APW Seal could lead to increased misuse 
of the APW Seal and undermine the effectiveness of the anti-piracy 
message and the FBI's reputation; and that the APW Seal program and 
other United States Government efforts to combat copyright piracy are 
merely the product of pressure from the entertainment industry.
    The FBI responds to these comments with three points. First, the 
FBI believes that the APW Seal and accompanying warnings convey 
important messages to the public and are a significant component of its 
efforts to deter and to investigate federal crimes involving the piracy 
of intellectual property. Allowing use by copyright holders who are not 
members of industry associations will enhance those efforts. Second, 
although broader access may make unauthorized use more likely, this 
concern is overshadowed by the value of

[[Page 41317]]

increasing public awareness of these prohibitions and the FBI's role in 
investigating related criminal activity. Finally, although the FBI 
works closely with industry groups to combat piracy, it was the volume 
of requests to use the APW Seal from outside the entertainment industry 
associations participating in the pilot program, and the costs of 
negotiating agreements with individual copyright holders, that in large 
part spurred the revisions to the program reflected by this regulation.
    One comment asserted that the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement 
(ACTA) is unconstitutional, while expressing support for the proposed 
rule. The assertion regarding ACTA is not relevant to the present 
rulemaking, which is being promulgated pursuant to the Department's 
statutory and regulatory authority concerning use of the official 
insignia of the FBI and the United States Department of Justice.

C. Comments on Specific Sections of the Proposed Rule

    Several comments sought clarification or suggested changes to the 
proposed rule. One comment suggested that the language in paragraph 
(e)(1) that the ``APW Seal may only be used on works subject to 
protection as intellectual property,'' is a vague standard and may lead 
to confusion as to whether a work must be registered with the United 
States Copyright Office prior to the owner using the APW Seal. Two 
additional comments evidenced confusion as to whether the APW Seal is 
available for use on unregistered works, while another comment 
recommended that the APW Seal be limited to ``officially copyrighted'' 
works. The FBI assumes this comment referred to ``registered'' works. 
One additional comment suggested that the references to particular 
United States Code sections, such as are at paragraph (e)(1), are 
confusing and make it difficult to determine exactly who may use the 
APW Seal.
    The FBI intends that the APW Seal be available for use on works 
protected under federal criminal statutes prohibiting piracy of 
copyrighted material. Registration is not necessary for such 
protection, as provided in Title 17, United States Code, Section 
408(a). The FBI revised paragraph (e)(1) to clarify that the APW Seal 
is available for use only on copyrighted works, as opposed to other 
types of intellectual property.
    One comment suggested that the phrase ``other applicable law'' 
should be clarified in paragraph (d)(2). As indicated in paragraph (c), 
use of the APW Seal, except as authorized by this regulation, would 
likely violate Title 18, United States Code, Section 701, which 
provides criminal sanctions for unauthorized uses of approved agency 
insignia. Additionally, Title 18, United States Code, Section 709 
prohibits certain unauthorized uses of the name and initials of the FBI 
that suggest FBI endorsement, approval, or authorization. This 
prohibition could well be implicated in an unauthorized use of the APW 
Seal. Because the FBI cannot predict all of the other possible 
circumstances of misuse and the statutes that they might implicate, the 
FBI believes the current wording of paragraph (d)(2) is appropriate.
    One comment expressed confusion as to the purpose of paragraph 
(e)(4), which encourages use of copy protection and anti-circumvention 
techniques. Paragraph (e)(3) requires users to obtain the Seal from the 
FBI's public Web site so that the FBI has an opportunity to provide 
additional notice of the conditions of use, and other pertinent 
information, before the image is downloaded. Use of copy protection and 
anti-circumvention techniques is encouraged to help prevent 
unauthorized copying and use of the APW Seal by individuals who may not 
be aware of the limitations in this regulation.
    One comment indicated confusion as to the intent and effect of 
paragraph (f)(2)'s prohibition on use of the APW Seal on works that 
cannot lawfully be distributed by United States mail. The comment 
suggested that this paragraph would allow the APW Seal to be used on, 
for example, child pornography distributed through FedEx, UPS, or other 
non-United States Postal Service carriers. The language used in 
paragraph (f)(2) was intended to prohibit use of the APW Seal on types 
of works, such as child pornography, that cannot lawfully be 
distributed in or affecting interstate commerce under federal law. The 
prohibition does not depend on whether the work is actually 
distributed, or the actual means of distribution. To more closely track 
the language used in the federal statutes governing such works, such as 
Title 18, United Sates Code, Section 2252A, the FBI has revised 
paragraph (f)(2) to read: ``whose production, sale, public 
presentation, or distribution by mail or in or affecting interstate 
commerce would violate the laws of the United States.''
    One comment suggested that paragraph (f)(4)(B) of the proposed rule 
is confusing, and offered alternative language. The comment stated 
that, as written, paragraph (f)(4)(B) ``falsely suggests that a lawful 
user of the [APW] Seal is not entitled to protection of the law.'' The 
FBI disagrees. This paragraph prohibits use of the APW Seal in a manner 
suggesting that the FBI has made a determination as to the work's 
eligibility for copyright protection. The APW Seal does not indicate 
that the FBI has made such a determination regarding the work and to 
indicate otherwise would be misleading. The language is sufficiently 
clear.
    One comment recommended changing ``may'' to ``shall'' throughout 
the proposed rule for clarity. To reduce any ambiguity, the FBI has 
reviewed the regulatory language and changed ``may'' to ``shall'' and 
``may not'' to ``shall not'' as appropriate. In addition, the FBI has 
rewritten paragraph (d)(1) as ``* * * subject to the terms and 
conditions set forth in this section'' (emphasis added) to clarify that 
use of the APW Seal is governed by the terms and conditions in the 
entire section, 41 CFR 128-1.5009, rather than only what is contained 
in paragraph (d). Additionally, the reference to the United States Code 
in paragraph (e)(1) was reformatted for consistency with paragraphs (c) 
and (d)(2).
    Two other comments questioned how the APW Seal would help detect 
violations of law, as stated in paragraph (a) of the proposed rule. The 
FBI believes that by increasing public awareness about criminal 
copyright violations and the FBI's investigative role, the APW Seal may 
not only help deter potential violators, but may increase the 
likelihood that individuals with information related to such violations 
will report that information so it can be investigated.
    One comment recommended that the FBI keep the original authorized 
warning language used in the pilot program, which specified the 
applicable fines and potential prison sentences, in lieu of the 
authorized warning language in the proposed rule at paragraph 
(e)(2)(i). Although the FBI has not changed the authorized warning 
language from the proposed rule to the final rule, alternative 
authorized warning language specifying potential fines and prison 
sentences will be made available on the FBI's Web site pursuant to 
paragraph (e)(2). This will allow the FBI to more easily update the 
authorized warning language if the specific penalties are changed in 
the applicable statutes.
    One comment expressed concern that statements in the Regulatory 
Certifications section of the proposed rule pertaining to the Unfunded 
Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA), the Small Business Regulatory 
Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (SBREFA), and Executive Order 12866,

[[Page 41318]]

section 3(f) asserting that the rule will have less than $100 million 
in economic impact were unsubstantiated by any data provided. In 
response, the FBI notes that, as was discussed in the notice of 
proposed rulemaking and above in this final rule, since December 2003 
the FBI has conducted an APW Seal pilot program with five entertainment 
and software industry associations. Nothing that has come to the FBI's 
attention in the over eight years of the APW Seal pilot program 
suggests that this rule would have an economic impact of anywhere close 
to $100 million. Further, as also noted above, there will be no fee 
associated with using the APW Seal.
    The comment also expressed concern that by designating this rule as 
not being a ``significant'' regulatory action the Department made a 
determination on a budgetary or economic issue in a manner that 
precluded evaluation by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under 
that Executive Order. The FBI responds that, pursuant to Executive 
Order 12866 section 6(a)(3)(A) and before publication it provided OMB 
with summaries both of the proposed and of the final rule on this 
subject. The summaries were reviewed by OMB and OMB concurred with the 
Department's assertion that this rule is not a ``significant'' 
regulatory action. It is the Department's experience that if OMB has 
any uncertainty regarding the correctness of an agency's assertion that 
a rulemaking is ``non-significant,'' OMB will either request an 
informal full text copy of the rule or will designate the rule as 
``significant,'' thus initiating a formal review pursuant to Executive 
Order 12866. The phrasing of the Executive Order 12866/Executive Order 
13563 certification in this rulemaking that ``accordingly this rule has 
not been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget'' indicates 
that OMB has not conducted a formal review.

D. Comments Related to the FBI's APW Seal Program Generally

    Thirteen comments expressed a general concern that greater 
accessibility will lead to, or at least facilitate, an increase in 
misuse of the APW Seal. These comments suggest that the proposed system 
of making the APW Seal available on the FBI's Web site will be more 
difficult to police than the pilot program. Ten comments expressed 
varying degrees of concern as to the possibility that widespread use of 
the APW Seal may ``dilute'' the value of the image and the FBI's 
message. While the FBI recognizes these potential effects of the new 
rule, they are outweighed by the expected benefits of increasing the 
presence of the anti-piracy message across the board to include 
copyrighted works that may have been ineligible under the pilot 
program. Additionally, the APW Seal will remain protected by criminal 
statutes, to include Title 18, United States Code, Sections 701 and 
709.
    Two comments noted that despite the text of the regulation, the 
public may perceive the APW Seal as the FBI's endorsement of a 
particular work or product, and believe that the work is entitled to 
protection. Paragraph (f)(4)(ii) specifically provides that the APW 
Seal shall not be used in any manner ``indicating that the FBI has 
determined that a particular work or portion thereof is entitled to 
protection of the law.'' The FBI does not review specific works to 
determine whether they are entitled to copyright protection. To further 
clarify this point, the FBI plans to include information on its public 
Web site (http://www.fbi.gov) to assist in educating individual users 
of the APW Seal, and the public at large.
    Six comments recommended that the FBI establish a system to verify 
that users have a legitimate copyright interest in the work on which 
they seek to place the APW Seal. The FBI does not have the resources to 
establish such a system and does not consider such a system necessary 
to achieve the purposes of this regulation. Accordingly, the FBI 
declines to incorporate this recommendation into the final rule.
    Three comments suggested that FBI and Interpol anti-piracy warnings 
should be ``skippable'' prior to movies or other material. Nothing in 
this regulation requires users of the APW Seal to prevent viewers from 
skipping past these warnings, nor is the industry prohibited from 
continuing the practice.
    Two comments suggested that the FBI charge fees of some or all 
users of the APW Seal. Charging fees would deter use of the APW Seal. 
Another comment recommended making use of the APW Seal mandatory on 
copyright-protected works to assist in identification of counterfeits. 
The FBI does not have authority to mandate use of the APW Seal.
    Two comments also suggested that rather than allow individual 
copyright owners to use the APW Seal, the FBI should continue to work 
through industry associations. One of these two comments also suggested 
that the APW Seal should indicate that the user is part of an 
association that works closely with the FBI to stop piracy. The APW 
Seal is not intended to indicate that the FBI works more closely with 
one group than another.
    Two comments pointed out potential problems with applying the APW 
Seal to certain media, such as photographs or Web sites. One of these 
comments suggested that copyright owners who choose not to use the APW 
Seal will be disadvantaged compared to owners of works that more 
readily lend themselves to application of the APW Seal. Two comments 
suggested that widespread use of the APW Seal, as will be allowed under 
this regulation, may lead to a public belief that any work not bearing 
the APW Seal is not protected by copyright law. Use of the APW Seal in 
no way affects the protection that a work is entitled to under the law. 
The FBI believes that the value of the APW Seal outweighs the risk of 
possible confusion, but intends to clarify this matter on its public 
Web site.
    Five comments also expressed a concern that the broader 
accessibility of the APW Seal may have a ``chilling effect'' on fair 
use, as some copyright holders may attempt to use the APW Seal to 
discourage uses of their copyrighted work that would otherwise be 
permissible under the fair use doctrine. The FBI fully recognizes that 
fair use, which is authorized under Title 17, United States Code, 
Section 107, does not constitute infringement, much less a federal 
crime. The warning language does not suggest otherwise. The FBI intends 
to address this matter on its public Web site.
    Four comments noted generally that the APW Seal is a ``passive 
warning'' and not a sufficiently effective means to deter intellectual 
property piracy. Another comment suggested the FBI's warning should be 
modified to prevent ``ad burnout'' by using a graphic to show the 
negative impact of the piracy problem. The APW Seal program is part of 
a much larger government-wide effort to combat intellectual property 
piracy. Due to the nature of the program and the crime itself, it is 
difficult to measure the effectiveness of the APW Seal program at 
preventing piracy. Based on feedback from the pilot program and the 
volume of requests to use the APW Seal, however, the FBI believes that 
continuing the APW Seal program as expanded in this regulation is a 
worthwhile effort.
    Four comments offered suggestions in regard to making, allowing, or 
preventing modifications to the appearance of the APW Seal related to 
size and color, banning other text on the same page or screen as the 
APW Seal, or a requirement for a border or other division to separate 
the image from any user-provided content. Two of these

[[Page 41319]]

comments suggested the FBI adopt a requirement for a border or minimum 
space around the APW Seal in order to more clearly separate it from 
other information on the same page or screen. The FBI agrees that this 
requirement would assist in limiting confusion as to the FBI's message. 
Accordingly, the FBI has modified paragraph (e)(2) to require a border 
any time the APW Seal is used on anything other than a blank screen or 
page, such as on media packaging. The FBI would not consider 
enlargement or reduction in size of the image downloaded to be a 
prohibited alteration of the image under this regulation. The FBI 
declines to adopt the recommendations on this topic related to other 
alterations as such flexibility could detract from the impact of the 
APW Seal in evoking the FBI's involvement in enforcement of anti-piracy 
laws.
    Two comments recommended that the FBI implement some form of click-
through informational pages or a pop-up notifying the user attempting 
to download the APW Seal of the conditions of use, and the possible 
penalties for unauthorized use. Another comment recommended that the 
APW Seal be more accessible on the FBI's Web site than the current APW 
Seal informational page, requiring fewer clicks to reach. The FBI will 
take these recommendations into account in designing the APW Seal 
program pages and download procedure.
    One comment suggested that the FBI disallow use of the ``authorized 
warning language'' alone, which may be found at paragraph (e)(2)(i) of 
the rule, now that the APW Seal itself is available to all copyright 
holders. The FBI recognizes that some copyright-protected works may not 
lend themselves well to application of the APW Seal, and so will 
continue to allow use of the warning language alone for those users who 
find it more suitable to their needs.
    One comment expressed an opinion that inclusion of the APW Seal on 
a copyrighted work should not establish per se the willful intent 
element of criminal copyright infringement (Reference Title 17, United 
States Code, Section 506(a)(1)). The evidentiary value of the use of 
the APW Seal or other warning in a particular case is not a matter to 
be determined via regulation by the FBI.
    Several comments made recommendations regarding the role of the APW 
Seal in the FBI's overall law enforcement efforts relating to piracy of 
intellectual property. One comment suggested that the FBI should 
consider a comprehensive ``brand marketing strategy'' for the APW Seal, 
including guidance on how to use the APW Seal and how to report 
suspected piracy. Additionally, this comment suggested that the FBI 
work closely with industry associations and focus on enforcement. This 
comment, as well as one additional comment, suggested the FBI develop a 
system for reporting misuse of the APW Seal. Finally, one comment 
recommended that the FBI clarify that purchasing a counterfeit product 
is illegal and explain the ramifications of supporting the 
counterfeiting industry.
    As noted previously, the APW Seal program is one aspect of a larger 
anti-piracy effort. The FBI, both independently and through its 
partnership with other federal agencies and the National Intellectual 
Property Rights Coordination Center (``IPR Center''), is currently 
working to increase public awareness of the issues related to copyright 
piracy and other intellectual property theft. The FBI works closely 
with industry associations to maximize the impact of enforcement 
efforts, and will continue to do so as long as it is beneficial to the 
FBI's mission with regard to intellectual property crime. More 
information about these efforts, the negative impacts of piracy and of 
supporting the counterfeiting industry, and how to report suspected 
piracy or IP theft is available on the FBI and IPR Center Web sites 
(http://www.iprcenter.gov).

Regulatory Certifications

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Assistant Attorney General for Administration, in accordance 
with the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 605(b)), has reviewed 
this final rule and, by approving it, certifies that this rule will not 
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth, this rule 
allows copyright holders to use the APW Seal on copyrighted works to 
help detect and deter criminal violations of United States intellectual 
property laws by educating the public about the existence of these laws 
and the authority of the FBI to enforce them.

Executive Orders 12866 and 13563--Regulatory Review

    This regulation has been drafted and reviewed in accordance with 
Executive Order 12866, ``Regulatory Planning and Review'' section 1(b), 
Principles of Regulation and in accordance with Executive Order 13563, 
``Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review'' section 1(b), General 
Principles of Regulation.
    The Department of Justice has determined that this rule is not a 
``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866, section 
3(f), Regulatory Planning and Review, and accordingly this rule has not 
been reviewed by OMB.
    Further, both Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to 
assess all costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, 
if regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that 
maximize net benefits (including potential economic, environmental, 
public health and safety effects, distributive impacts, and equity). 
Executive Order 13563 emphasizes the importance of quantifying both 
costs and benefits, of reducing costs, of harmonizing rules, and of 
promoting flexibility. The Department has assessed the costs and 
benefits of this regulation and believes that the regulatory approach 
selected maximizes net benefits.

Executive Order 12988--Civil Justice Reform

    This final rule meets the applicable standards set forth in 
sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of Executive Order 12988.

Executive Order 13132--Federalism

    This final rule will not have substantial direct effects on the 
States, on the relationship between the national government and the 
States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the 
various levels of government. Therefore, in accordance with Executive 
Order 13132, it is determined that this rule does not have sufficient 
federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism 
Assessment.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995

    This final rule will not result in the expenditure by State, local, 
and tribal governments (in the aggregate) or by the private sector of 
$100 million or more in any one year, and it will not significantly or 
uniquely affect small governments. Therefore, no actions were deemed 
necessary under the provisions of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 
1995.

Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996

    This final rule is not a major rule as defined by section 804 of 
the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996. This 
final rule will not result in an annual effect on the United States 
economy of $100 million or more; a major increase in costs or prices; 
or significant adverse effects on competition, employment, investment,

[[Page 41320]]

productivity, innovation, or on the ability of United States-based 
companies to compete with foreign-based companies in domestic and 
export markets. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth, this 
rule merely allows copyright holders to use the APW Seal on copyrighted 
works to help detect and deter criminal violations of United States 
intellectual property laws by educating the public about the existence 
of these laws and the authority of the FBI to enforce them.

List of Subjects in 41 CFR Part 128-1

    Government property, Seals and insignia, Copyright, Intellectual 
property.

    Accordingly, for the reasons set forth in the preamble, part 128-1 
of chapter 128 of Title 41 of the Code of Federal Regulations is 
amended as follows:

PART 128-1--[AMENDED]

0
1. The authority citation for part 128-1 is revised to read as follows:

    Authority:  5 U.S.C. 301, 40 U.S.C. 121(c), 41 CFR 101-1.108, 
and 28 CFR 0.75(j), unless otherwise noted.


0
2. Add Sec.  128-1.5009 to read as follows:


Sec.  128-1.5009  Authorization for Use of the Federal Bureau of 
Investigation Anti-Piracy Warning Seal.

    (a) Purpose. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Anti-Piracy 
Warning Seal (``APW Seal'') is an official insignia of the FBI and the 
United States Department of Justice. The purpose of the APW Seal is to 
help detect and deter criminal violations of United States intellectual 
property laws by educating the public about the existence of these laws 
and the authority of the FBI to enforce them.
    (b) The APW Seal is a modified image of the Official FBI Seal with 
the words ``FBI ANTI-PIRACY WARNING'' displayed horizontally across its 
center in an enclosed border, whether rendered in color, black and 
white, outline, or otherwise.
    (c) The APW Seal has been approved by the Attorney General as an 
official insignia of the FBI within the meaning of Title 18, United 
States Code, Section 701, which provides criminal sanctions for 
unauthorized uses of such insignia.
    (d)(1) The regulations in this section authorize use of the APW 
Seal by copyright holders on copyrighted works including, but not 
limited to films, audio recordings, electronic media, software, books, 
photographs, etc., subject to the terms and conditions set forth in 
this section.
    (2) Use of the APW Seal or of the authorized warning language in a 
manner not authorized under this section may be punishable under Title 
18, United States Code, Sections 701, 709, or other applicable law.
    (e) Conditions regarding use of the APW Seal. (1) The APW Seal 
shall only be used on copyrighted works subject to protection under 
United States Criminal Code provisions such as those in Title 18, 
United States Code, Sections 2319, 2319A, and 2319B.
    (2) The APW Seal shall only be used immediately adjacent to the 
authorized warning language. ``Authorized warning language'' refers to 
the language set forth in paragraph (e)(2)(i) of this section, or 
alternative language specifically authorized in writing for this 
purpose by the Director of the FBI or his or her designee and posted on 
the FBI's official public Internet Web site (http://www.fbi.gov). 
Except as authorized pursuant to paragraph (f)(1), the APW Seal and 
authorized warning language shall be enclosed by a plain box border at 
all times that other text or images appear on the same screen or page.
    (i) ``The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of a 
copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including 
infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is 
punishable by fines and federal imprisonment.''
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) The APW Seal image must be obtained from the FBI's official 
public Internet Web site (http://www.fbi.gov). The APW Seal image shall 
not be animated or altered except that it may be rendered in outline, 
black and white, or grayscale.
    (4) In programming or reproducing the APW Seal in or on a work, 
users are encouraged to employ industry-recognized copyright anti-
circumvention or copy protection techniques to discourage copying of 
the FBI APW Seal, except that such techniques need not be used if no 
other content or advertising programmed into the same work on the same 
media utilizes such copyright anti-circumvention or copy protection 
techniques.
    (f) Prohibitions regarding use of the APW Seal. (1) The APW Seal 
shall not be used in a manner indicating FBI approval, authorization, 
or endorsement of any communication other than the authorized warning 
language. No other text or image that appears on the same screen, page, 
package, etc., as the APW Seal or authorized warning language shall 
reference, contradict, or be displayed in a manner that appears to be 
associated with, the APW Seal or authorized warning language, except as 
authorized in writing by the Director of the FBI or his or her designee 
and posted on the FBI's official public Internet Web site (http://www.fbi.gov).
    (2) The APW Seal shall not be used on any work whose production, 
sale, public presentation, or distribution by mail or in or affecting 
interstate commerce would violate the laws of the United States 
including, but not limited to, those protecting intellectual property 
and those prohibiting child pornography and obscenity.
    (3) The APW Seal shall not be forwarded or copied except as 
necessary to display it on an eligible work.
    (4) The APW Seal shall not be used in any manner:
    (i) Indicating that the FBI has approved, authorized, or endorsed 
any work, product, production, or private entity, including the work on 
which it appears;
    (ii) Indicating that the FBI has determined that a particular work 
or portion thereof is entitled to protection of the law; or,
    (iii) Indicating that any item or communication, except as provided 
herein, originated from, on behalf of, or in coordination with the FBI, 
whether for enforcement purposes, education, or otherwise.

    Dated: June 28, 2012.
Lee J. Lofthus,
Assistant Attorney General for Administration.
[FR Doc. 2012-16506 Filed 7-12-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4410-02-P