ok this is a copyright question. Is it illegal to copy a DVD you own for your own personal use, to to sell?

Question

ok to go a little more in depth i want to know if someone has legally purchased a DVD and makes a copy for themselves to watch so that they can keep the master copy from getting scratched or otherwise damaged is it illegal? i know if someone sold copies or even gave them away for free it is illegal but i feel its a good idea to use a copy rather than the store bought version becouse they are expensive, if someone damages the copy they didnt lose but a $1 disk and could make themselves a new copy. so what do you guys think? is this wrong? and whats the likelyhood of getting cought, if someone keeps it to themselves as they should.

keep in mind that this is for personal use in someones own home not to sell or share, or for any finacial gain at all.

Answer 1

Yes. It's the reproduction of the material thats illegal no matter what the purpose is

Answer 2

Good question! I took a Communications Law class as part of my film degree. We were taught that if you copy a DVD (or a CD for that matter) and it is for PERSONAL USE -- you are not going to sell it, charge to see it, give it away, or anything like that, it falls under what is called FAIR USE.

I remember this vividly, because my professor mentioned that he would buy British films on eBay, but they were in PAL. He would rip them and re-record them into NTSC so he could watch them on an American DVD player. But he also told us he had to keep the original, he couldn't sell it, or it would not fall under these fair use conditions.

You may copy it guilt free. Be advised, many DVDs are copy protected though. You may have a hard time copying some things. But, by all means, burn away!

Answer 3

Ya know, that's a darn good question. The likelihood of gettin caught, very small as long as you keep it at home. But i really don't think it's illegal. Because you already purchased the movie for your personal disk and you aren't giving it to anyone. But if i were you read the small writing on your dvd burner or dvd movie. Or call someone at a courthouse or somethin if you're really worried. Trust me, i'm sure it's no problem. If people can't get caught with a camcorder in a movie theater, I'm POSITIVE you can't get caught for having your own personal copy of your PURCHASED DVD.

Answer 4

Yes it is illegal to copy a disc even for back up purposes as that was not the original intention of the person selling you the disc and that is considered an redistribution even if you never give it away.

Answer 5

I just sold my last video store,yes,it hurts business when people do this with new realeases,but,I just bought a DVD?VHS burning to copy shows onto DVD,my movie camara will make the tapes into DVD,I can watch my kodak picture slideshows and take an old VHS home movie and transfer to DVD,I think for personally use,the techno;ogy is here and I buy a lot of DVD's still,just a habit to watch I want when I want,so,I could see making a copy to loan my family!I put a lot of money into my large collection!

Answer 6

It is legal to copy a DVD/CD/VIDEO for your personal use as long as you have purchased the original and not rented it from a store or borrowed from a friend.

Answer 7

Copy away. Personal use has always been OK. I believe the term everyone uses is "Fair Use." Look it up.

But really, how many movies are out there that are so good you want to keep the original in perfect condition? How many times can you watch the same movie?

Answer 8

Im sure as long as its for your own use its good. VHS tapes where almost indesctructable, but DVDs arent so its nice to be able to copy them so you dont scratch the original. Specially if you have kids

Answer 9

That violates the copyright laws that state you will not copy this product for financial gain.

word gets around quick, it will be a matter of months.

Answer 10

You Betcha!