What is the potential outcome if copyright infringement is proven?

If copyright infringement is proven, the copyright owner can indeed claim damages, which makes this answer the correct choice. When one party uses or reproduces another person's copyrighted work without permission, the copyright owner has the legal right to seek compensation for losses incurred as a result of the infringement. This can include actual damages, which reflect the financial losses suffered, as well as statutory damages, which are predefined amounts set by law that can be awarded in lieu of proving actual damages.

In copyright law, the goal is to protect the rights of creators, enabling them to recoup losses and incentivizing creativity and innovation. The potential for damage claims serves as a deterrent against unauthorized use of copyrighted materials, ensuring that the creators are compensated for their work and maintain control over its distribution and use.

The other options do not accurately reflect the legal implications of copyright infringement. There are consequences under the law, making the first option incorrect. While criminal charges may sometimes arise in cases involving willful infringement, particularly if the infringement is part of a larger criminal enterprise or involves significant financial gain, such scenarios are less common, thus making the third option not universally applicable. Lastly, copyright infringement does not result in the infringed work entering the public domain; rather, copyright protection remains in