I'm thinking about renting out my DVD"s and Books to people I know, is this legal? or do I need special permission? I'm not making copies of them so I"m assuming it is.
2006-06-26 05:49:53 · 10 answers · asked by ILYA1113 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
It is fine. People are often confused about the copyright thing, because they don't know about a tricky little thing sometimes known as the "First Sale" doctrine.
When you buy a book, you own the book. You own that copy of the text. You don't own the text itself. That is why you are not permitted to reproduce the text, make the text into a movie, put it up on billboards, and so forth without violating the copyright. Your copy, though, you can sell, lend, or rent just like you could with a lawnmower or anything else you own. As long as you aren't making copies of your copy, you're ok.
The same thing goes for CDs and DVDs. When you buy the CD or the DVD, you own it but not its contents. You are allowed to sell, lend, or rent the disc; you would not be allowed to make a music video with the disc's contents. Get it?
The one big exception would be if you were knowingly providing the books and discs to people who you know (or should know) are going to be violating the copyright by making reproductions, distributing the reproductions, and so on. That could make you vicariously liable, meaning that you are basically responsible for the bad actions you knew might take place and for which you were paid (a rental fee, in your case). Your rental agreement should include an agreement by the renter to obey all relevant laws, including copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. If you cover that gap, you should be good to go.
2006-06-26 07:16:30 · answer #1 · answered by BoredBookworm 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
For the DVD's definitely (read the FBI warning thing that everyone ignores in the beginning of all movies.) The books I'm less sure about, but I have a feeling it is also not legal. Read the copyright page in the beginning of the book.
2006-06-26 05:55:54 · answer #2 · answered by Anon28 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's a great idea! I applaud your entrepaneurial thinking!
It's perfectly legal to rent property that you own....wether it's dvd's, books, houses, cars....whatever!
As long as you are the legal owner of the item, you can rent it. To be on the safe side, it might be a good idea to have proof of ownership (a receipt, a lease or deed, etc)
Good luck to you!
2006-06-26 06:04:26 · answer #3 · answered by Pulse 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Bored Lawyer" is correct, Except that you cannot rent music CDs (there is a specific law against rental of music CD that does not extend to other copyrighted works). The First Sale doctrine means that the physical object is yours. So long as you don't reproduce it (or do any of the other things that are reserved to the copyright holder) you are fine.
2006-06-30 12:55:58 · answer #4 · answered by PermDude 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it is illegal to rent any copyrighted material without the copyright holder's express permission. However, you can let people you know borrow it all you want, as that falls within "fair use."
2006-06-26 06:07:42 · answer #5 · answered by James 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
DVD shrink to tear it and create an iso photo document. CDBurnerXP to burn the photo to a CD. both courses are free yet i'm able to't positioned up the hyperlinks the following using Y!A regulations. only google it.
2016-11-15 06:57:22 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Who cares? Unless you think the people you know will "rat you out" then I say rent away!!!
2006-06-26 06:00:02 · answer #7 · answered by Lil Sweetie 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're making money from it, so it's not legal.
2006-06-26 05:53:00 · answer #8 · answered by Belie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
be a nice friend and let them borrow it. don't be a greedy jerk.
2006-06-26 05:53:32 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
illegal
2006-06-26 05:55:53 · answer #10 · answered by Miss LaStrange 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋