see I no u can record a movie off home box office r cinemax r the movie channel. But if u try 2 sale them u could get in some trouble.
2007-01-06 04:00:55 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Movies are considered artistic creations and have copyrights on them. You cannot make a copy without permission from the author (=producer). Since producers state that the only way of legally obtaining a copy of a movie is buying the DVD, downloading the video is illegal.
Videotaping a movie from a tv channel is considered legal, because you pay your fee to the broadcast company and they pay the producers. So you have some kind of licence on this film and you're just making a backup copy of it, you see?
But this licence does only apply to you, you have no right whatsoever to grant licenses to other people (ie sell the videotape to someone)
2007-01-06 04:08:27 · answer #1 · answered by JohnyD 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In most countries it is illegal to own a pirated movie, make a pirated movie or sell a pirated movie, the law is normally more severe if you sell them.
Some countries like Holland allow you to make backups, the UK may also be going that way.
I believe that you will also find that the terms and conditions for Cinemax etc would suggest that you should not copy those either.
With timeshifting devices like the Tivo the situation gets more complex...
2007-01-06 04:08:52 · answer #2 · answered by fleacircusdirector 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you record a movie which you have bought to make a backup and do not give it to anyone else you are ok.
If you receive a copy of a movie that you did not pay for you could be convicted for receiving stolen property and be required to testify against the person who made the copy.
If they say that you requested them to copy the movie you could be convicted on conspiracy to commit theft.
Such indictments are relatively rare though. But the recording industry seems intent on vilifying itself with it's customers for recording music by suing them so can the movie industry be far behind?
2007-01-06 04:13:27 · answer #3 · answered by aiguyaiguy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not sure about recording off TV/Cable.. but I'm pretty sure buying pirated movies can get you in trouble. Receiving stolen goods and all that.
2007-01-06 04:03:37 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are NOT private to own if they are used for your viewing. That is, if you own 1,000 copies, the government would have a pretty good case for proving that you had a plan to distribute them
otherwise, you would have the burden of proof that you were going to actually watch all 1,000 copies. Good luck with that one!
2007-01-06 04:05:53 · answer #5 · answered by nukehoop 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is illegal. Just as you cannot own stolen property, this is the same thing. If you know it is stolen and you don't report it and instead use it, you are just as guilty and can be convicted.
2007-01-06 04:02:58 · answer #6 · answered by hopelessmagic 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually Yes! It is considered possession of stolen property.
2007-01-06 04:03:38 · answer #7 · answered by Mr. Right 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Put it this way for every Movie that they find on your Hard drive, its a fine of $200,000. Just don't do it
2007-01-06 04:12:33 · answer #8 · answered by Army Man 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think you'll get arrested for having it in your house. However post you question on yahoo and the cops will be knocking at your door in no time!!! RUNNNNNN
2007-01-06 04:30:36 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋