I don't want to go to jail.
2006-06-20 08:15:59 · 5 answers · asked by MadMaster 1 in Consumer Electronics ➔ Games & Gear
not really... unless you own the actual game... but they can still take you to jail...
2006-06-20 08:19:15 · answer #1 · answered by Santos 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, under very specific circumstances. Section 117 of the US Copyright Law gives the owner of a software package the right to make an additional copy under certain provisions. If you adhere to the provisions then making ROM images is perfectly legal. However, legislation has been passed to prevent software piracy that makes game copying devices illegal. Using such a device to create a ROM image makes the resulting image illegal as well. Also you have to remeber that there is a large amount of freeware / public domain roms that you can download from the internet, and only way to play them is to use emulator or a flash card!
Is distributing ROM images legal?
No, not clearly. Individuals and Companies have a right to back up their software. This does not give them the right to distribute that copy to others, even provided they also own a legal copy of the software. So, in short, it is perfectly legal for you to copy a software package you own, but not for you to give that copy away.
2006-06-20 15:19:27 · answer #2 · answered by zass0119 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Even if you have the original holding a rom for more than 24 hours is illegal. Its like making copies of CD"s and DVD's. Its illegal to make unauthorized copies of Copyrighted materials. I do it all the time but still its illegal (hope Sega wasn't listening) P.S. I plead the 5th
2006-06-23 16:34:36 · answer #3 · answered by Hitzumaru 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are legal but it depends how old you are
2006-06-20 15:19:47 · answer #4 · answered by Hot KC 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yeah
2006-06-20 15:27:59 · answer #5 · answered by charashcj01 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋