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Question
(a) Identify the governing doctrine for criminal liability in Intellectual Property piracy under Sec. 33(b) of RA 8792 and state the essential elements of the offense.
(b) Arman, a Philippine-based importer, imports 2,000 pirated copies of a copyrighted travel guide from an overseas supplier. He also arranges for a local printer to reproduce 400 additional pirated copies. He then distributes 1,600 copies through his store and sells 200 copies online. The publisher files a criminal complaint against him under RA 8792, Sec. 33(b) for piracy. Apply the elements to Arman’s acts and determine whether he is criminally liable for piracy, explaining why or why not, and distinguishing piracy from mere infringement.
(c) If Arman had only imported the pirated copies and did not distribute or sell them, would Sec. 33(b) still apply? Explain.