Backup DVD's Legal? - Tech Support Forums

waynezo · May 3rd, 2008, 08:56 AM

What is the latest ruling on backing up DVD's owned for personal use?

What about DVD's checked out of the library, paid for with taxpayer dollars?

I think this issue was deemed legal regarding VCR's. Has fair use and CSS been tested in court for DVD's?

Any opinion and info will be greatly appreciated.

Rootstonian · May 3rd, 2008, 10:12 AM

To the best of my knowledge, a purchased DVD can be backed-up/copied for personal use (i.e. copy will not be sold or given away).

Don't know on the library rental thing

osprey4 · May 3rd, 2008, 10:29 AM

To answer your last question, the concept of fair use has never been thoroughly tested in court with regard to encrypted DVDs. The one case by the MPAA against 321 Studios effectively put 321 out of business, but the judge did not rule regarding the constitutionality of the DMCA. He simply interpreted the DMCA to mean that bypassing encryption was a violation of the owner's copyright.

So for now, it's illegal to copy commercial DVDs, just as it is illegal to drive 16 MPH in a 15-MPH school zone.

Atlantix · June 5th, 2008, 10:37 AM

Apply the golden rule: you paid for it, it's yours - you can use it however you want it. No court will ever come after you if you made a copy to save wear/tear on YOUR original media. Don't give it to anyone, don't display it on the internet, don't ever sell it.

Did you pay for the one from the library? No. So IT'S NOT YOURS. Don't copy it, it's illegal.

DC4man · June 5th, 2008, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atlantix

Apply the golden rule: you paid for it, it's yours - you can use it however you want it. No court will ever come after you if you made a copy to save wear/tear on YOUR original media. Don't give it to anyone, don't display it on the internet, don't ever sell it.

Did you pay for the one from the library? No. So IT'S NOT YOURS. Don't copy it, it's illegal.

Yeah I think that pretty much sums it up.

Dj-Icer · June 5th, 2008, 01:48 PM

Like over in Japan, there are laws about backup DVDs.

I have a lot of backup DVDs, from programs to other stuff as well. It's just that some programs can be very sensitive when connected to internet. Because internet allows it to be spotted by the maker of the program. When programs has been spotted, then it'll give some kind of message that you're using a pirate or invalid cd key etc. The program will stop working and you're unable to use it.

But, it can never be a criminal if you just keep it to yourself. You can share it with the ones you trust most and I don't think this would lead to any problem if you know how to take care of it. Personal use is okay, not commercial.

Atlantix · June 5th, 2008, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dj-Icer

You can share it with the ones you trust most and I don't think this would lead to any problem if you know how to take care of it.

The same rule applies to software - you can make a copy for yourself, but I don't see why you would do it since you have the original. I understand you copy a CD or DVD especially if your 5 year old kid wants to watch that movie every day twice... but how many times do you need to load software?

Do NOT give software to anyone else. Sure, many people do just that... but it is entirely illegal.

This thread is about the legality of copying.

Dj-Icer · June 5th, 2008, 02:16 PM

I don't think I have shared it with friends though. I only share with my family members, 1 or 2.
Basically, I use the originals and never share with anyone because I normally contact the maker if theres any problem with my software. So I wouldn't dare.

The only programs that I share with others, like few friends that I have around me right now, are free ones.

But there are DVDs here sells free programs like Winamp and etc in shops. The law takes actions on these guys but they are rarely been cought. Somebody owns the cops, I don't know