Is this Illegal?

[haloking187]

I just got a DVD and it basically got so scratched it wouldn't work. so i was wondering if is illegal to make a backup of the new one I just got? Its not like im renting it and making a copy, but I own the movie. so it is illegal? sorry if this is in the wrong section I couldn't see any other section it would fit in.

[giants10]

lol i think that you will be alright, unless you cant live with yourself knowing that you copied a movie lol

[ralph l mayo]

Do you live in the USA? If so it depends on the disc, but it's very likely illegal.

The act of making a copy of something you own for backup purposes is not prohibited, but the DVD is most likely "protected" by the Content Scrambling System (CSS). Circumventing this protection puts you in violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act Title I.

Some new DVD movies have DRM-maintaining digital copy features, particularly if you get the special edition, which of course is legal but is not the same as copying the disc.

Some DVDs produced by independent firms will not use the CSS, in which case your copy is fine.

*According to my own (non-lawyer) interpretation of the situation, not legal advice

[haloking187]

Thanks very much. I was just wondering. ralph how could I tell if the dvd has css on it? is there a way without trying to copy it?

[ralph l mayo]

I think some software like DVDShrink will analyze the disc and let you know the situation w/r/t copy protection, but I'm not all that familiar with it.

[haloking187]

Thanks a lot man.

[oracleguy]

Basically the DMCA has created a weird (or better put, bad) situation as ralph said, you have the right to make a backup copy but the DMCA doesn't let you break the copy protection. So to exercise your legal rights, you have to break the law.

But that being said, if you do it, if you never post it on the internet or start selling it, it won't be a problem.

[gnomeontherun]

Ditto, VCR's had a similar conflict at first since people could record and make copies. Essentially the rule of thumb is for personal use only, and nobody is really going to come after you.

[Spookster]

Its not like im renting it and making a copy, but I own the movie. so it is illegal?

Not to be nit picky but don't actually own the movie. You purchased a right to view the movie on the media they are providing. But I agree with the others. Make a backup copy for your personal use. I just wouldn't let the MPAA know about it.

[o0O0o.o0O0o]

i wonder how many people will be bying music from Itunes . Most of them rip from cds.
Thats also illegal

I just wouldn't let the MPAA know about it.
Well , i am not sure bout my tongue , it can slip . But few bucks can keep it in control .
What bout meeting!!

[chump2877]

I'm calling the FEDS. You're busted! :thumbsup:

[Apostropartheid]

Ripping CDs in iTunes—or, indeed, any CD ripper—is in no way illegal? What annoys me that exercising what I feel is fair use on DRM protected tracks from, let's say Napster, would involve me breaking the law. *sighs*

[effpeetee]

The song says:-:eek:

"If it's something you enjoy, you can be certain that!
It's illegal, it's immoral or it makes you fat.":D

Frank

[BabyJack]

I'm calling the FEDS. You're busted!
I'm from the FEDS and yes, you are procecuted. $78,000,000 will be coming my way :)****






**** I am not from the FEDS. It was a joke, incase you didn't get the hint with the :).

[Aradon]

Yeah, copying for your own personal use isn't considered completely illegal and in reality you would be hard pressed to find a federal agency in the United States that would go after you (note: RIAA is not federal)

Most of the time, those federal agencies are more concentrated on those that are ripping the dvd's and selling them, or even distributing them online. So as long as you don't do those two things you should be solid.

Also, creating the copy should be trivial. There are several programs out there that do it and bypass the DCMA crap.

Not that I have any experience on this of course..

[effpeetee]

Your modesty becomes you!

[Trinithis]

Your modesty becomes you!

LOL. Funniest thing I've read all day :D