Is it illegal to sell genuine "not bootleg" CDs and or DVDs?

Question

I was thinking of selling brand new CDs and DVDs in public places such as, on the subway, on a street corner, etc. All I want to know is if it is illegal for the average citizen to sell copyrighted material or do I need a license.

Answer 1

Get a permit. As long as they are real and you
paid for them you can do as you please.

Answer 2

Yes. You bought a single user license and you are selling it. The only problem occurs is when two or more people are using the purchased single user license.

If for instance you are selling a copy of Windows 98, you have to remove it from your computer first. You are then free to sell it to anyone else. The same goes for CD's.

Small record shops make a lot of their money just by doing what you are stating. Buying and selling copies of CD's and DVD's. Perfectly legal. (just don't bootleg)

Answer 3

you can sell CDs and DVDs all you want as long as they are genuine.. doesn't matter about the copyright as long as they are not copies... but to sell them in public places you need a license to sell them on street corners or subways...to sell anything on a public street you need a license

Answer 4

Its definately illegal and i think you know it. You wouldn't be worried if it was REALLY compywrited authentic material. First of all - if you bought the CD and you want to sell it you would need a licence (because its kind of like you're ripping off those who actually do have a licance to sell it, and who choose to do things honestly). Second of all the only legal way you would be able to do it is if you sell it on e-bay.
3rd, Why do you believe anyone would really want to buy CDs at a subway - People would be suspicious, and unless you were planning to sell them at a ridiculously low prices (below purchase price), then i highly doubt people would readily purchase a product from a non-reputable merchant.

Answer 5

I owned 4 video stores and also took DVD to fleemarkets,I think only if you would be in the same location for business you would need licensed,but,if they are not pirated,nothing wrong with selling at garage sale or on the street!

Answer 6

You do need a vendor's license...if you sell them on the street the city will give you a list of places in you neighborhood that you can do such things.

Answer 7

The sales for blank media far surpasses sales in actual media but why? Blanks are great for many legal purposes such as data and creative works. When it comes right down to it cd's and dvd's are almost prohibitively expensive and the more expensive they are the more people use the blank media to circumvent legal purchase, plus there are a lot of good sites that allow you to more cheaply download legally the songs you like then in a retail store.

Answer 8

As long as they are real CDs/DVDs (as you've described - and not bootlegs) and you have acquired them legally (i.e. bought them from a reputable wholesale supplier or other private party who acquired tehm legally) then you can re-sell those discs to your heart's content.

It's the same way that used book, record, CD and DVD stores have been doing business for years.

Now, whether you need a business license to sell them "in the subway" or how you report that income to the state and federal taxman are two other inportant questions that you need to consider.

Answer 9

As long as you obtained them legally and are following the local ordinances you should be OK. Many localities require a peddlers permit for door to door or selling on the street corner.

Answer 10

Sure you can, Just don't get caught ;-)

Other wise, you have to have a business license to sell copyrighted material.

Answer 11

I am not sure about on a corner--you might need a license--but try selling them at work or on e-bay.

I wouldn't attempt a corner...not until you find out you IF you can.

Good luck!!