CD copy protection will turn me into a pirate

rogerramjet

Basically, if memory serves me correctly, it is illegal to make a copy of a film or audio cd/dvd. it is not illegal to make a copy of a data cd/dvd. This is why Microsoft ask on their disks not to make illegal copies. An illegal copy in their term is one which is sold for profit or even given to someone.

If I'm not mistaken it is also illegal to recompile a legally downloaded mp3 (paid for) into a file which can be played on a normal cd player. As an mp3, it is technically data and therefore can be copied to mp3 players.

The hypocritical (if that's spelled right I'll be surprised) is Sony sell cd/dvd burners and disks, they sell mini-disc recorders (and have done for years) they sell mp3 players and then have the cheek to say illegal copying is destroying the industry, whilst making a fortune selling their copying equipment.

Oh, for the record, it is not illegal to explain or even show how to remove copy protection. it is only illegal to actually do it.

danmanchester

Is it illegal to rip my entire cd collection up to my windows media player library..which is what I've done? I understand burning what I've uploaded onto blank media as "back ups" is illegal..but I've never read any clear information as to whether copying cd's into a media library is legal or not?
(Incidentally a couple of copy protected cd's wouldn't rip! grrr)
I use my pc as my hifi and it saves faffing around with changing cd's etc.

Mattjimf

I'm the same, pretty much all my cd's are on my computer, too be honest i doubt the police will be knocking on my door about it soon, especially when someone reported my friend for having alledged "hardcore specialist films", he had heaps of copied dvd's and they weren't worried about them as he wasn't selling them.

trace-j

Found a useful link that summarises the main points of the copyright designs and patents act

Section 16: The acts restricted by copyright in a work.

16.-(1) The owner of the copyright in a work has, in accordance with the following provisions of this Chapter, the exclusive right to do the following acts in the United Kingdom-

(a) to copy the work (see section 17);

(b) to issue copies of the work to the public (see section 18);

(ba) to rent or lend the work to the public (see section 18A);

(c) to perform, show or play the work in public (see section 19);

(d) to communicate the work to the public (see section 20);

(e) to make an adaptation of the work or do any of the above in relation to an adaptation (see section 21);

and those acts are referred to in this Part as the "acts restricted by the copyright".

(2) Copyright in a work is infringed by a person who without the licence of the copyright owner does, or authorises another to do, any of the acts restricted by the copyright.

The majority of people who have made copies of CDs will have for their own purpose, whilst it will infringe copyright and the owner can sue, I doubt very much they'll have the time to do everyone! Action was recently taken my MCPS against people who make available stuff to download- easier to have a go at the source of a problem as opposed to those who download unauthorised copies.

Pat__3

rogerramjet wrote:

Oh, for the record, it is not illegal to explain or even show how to remove copy protection. it is only illegal to actually do it.

It is not allowed on this web site to explain how to remove copy protection.

rogerramjet

Pat_ wrote:

It is not allowed on this web site to explain how to remove copy protection.

The only reason I am responding to you post is because I have yet to find anywhere in the T&C or any stickys relating to this forum (or others) where it stipulates it's not allowed.

Now I'm very much aware of the legalities around copy protection and the legalitiy to discuss it, hold software to get around it and the actual use of it.

What I am not aware of, is where it says in the T&C, guides, FAQ's where it says it is not allowed and would appreciate it if you could identify to me and others where it does state clearly that the discussion of how to remove copy protecion is not allowed.

Thanks

Fran

rogerramjet wrote:

The only reason I am responding to you post is because I have yet to find anywhere in the T&C or any stickys relating to this forum (or others) where it stipulates it's not allowed.

Now I'm very much aware of the legalities around copy protection and the legalitiy to discuss it, hold software to get around it and the actual use of it.

What I am not aware of, is where it says in the T&C, guides, FAQ's where it says it is not allowed and would appreciate it if you could identify to me and others where it does state clearly that the discussion of how to remove copy protecion is not allowed.

Thanks

*** Board guide comment ***

It says it here. I am closing this thread.