(a) For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
(1) “Audiovisual recording function.” The capability of a device to record or transmit a motion picture or any part of a motion picture by means of any technology existing on, or developed after, March 9, 2004.
(2) “Facility.” A movie theater.
(b) No person, without the written consent of the owner or lessee of the facility and of the licensor of the motion picture, shall knowingly operate an audiovisual recording function of a device in a facility in which the motion picture is being shown.
(c) Whoever violates division (b) of this section is guilty of motion picture piracy, a misdemeanor of the first degree on the first offense and a felony to be prosecuted under appropriate state law on each subsequent offense.
(d) This section does not prohibit or restrict a lawfully authorized investigative, law enforcement, protective or intelligence gathering employee or agent of the government of this state or a political subdivision of this state, or of the federal government, when acting in an official capacity, from operating an audiovisual recording function of a device in any facility in which a motion picture is being shown.
(e) Division (b) of this section does not limit or affect the application of any other prohibition in this code or the Ohio Revised Code. Any act that is a violation of both division (b) of this section and another provision of this code or the Ohio Revised Code may be prosecuted under this section, under the other provision of this code or the Ohio Revised Code, or under both this section and the other provision of this code or the Ohio Revised Code.
(R.C. § 2913.07) (1996 Code, § 672.23)