Is it illegal to download music from limewire even if you buy the limewire pro? how many people have been caught downloading music?? is it rare?
2007-01-31 07:19:24 · 9 answers · asked by bob888 3 in Computers & Internet ➔ Software
Downloading is OK, The trouble starts when you offer the same mp3s to others. That's where THEY get you!
2007-01-31 07:24:26 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
In general, it is illegal to download copyrighted music if you are not paying for it, and the copyright holders have not released it for free distribution.
It is also illegal to download music that you do have to pay for, if the means of doing so is not authorized by the copyright holders.
It is not common for a casual downloader to get busted for doing so. Most of the targets are people who are sharing vast libraries of downloaded music, since fines and such can be levied on a per-infringment basis to jack up settlements.
Despite what you have heard, downloading music is NEVER stealing. It is at best copyright infringement. Individuals that have the resources to fight the RIAA and MPAA don't lose against them.
The very definition of stealing is taking something from someone without consent, thereby depriving the owner of its use. Since creating a copy of something doesn't deprive the owner of its use, it isn't stealing. Copyright Infringement doesn't sound as sexy as stealing, which is why they use that term.
The argument of depriving the owner of the money they *could have had* from the sale had you not downloaded it, assumes that you would have actually paid money to obtain the song, which is nearly impossible to prove in court.
2007-01-31 07:32:24 · answer #2 · answered by Amanda H 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It is only illegal if you download any material that is not public domain. The songs that are coming out now might become public domain in 20 or so years. Pachelbel's Canon in D? go for it! The latest rap song? Don't!
2007-01-31 07:29:34 · answer #3 · answered by compugeek 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it is illegal to download music without paying for it, if it's still under copyright. It doesn't matter if you paid for the software, you're still violating international copyright law. It's just like if you pay someone to steal something for you, you're still a criminal. And yes, the RIAA has filed thousands of lawsuits every year. Most people settle out of court for around $10,000. Some fight and end up paying higher fines, like one woman who ended up paying $22,000.
If you want to read some more details, check out the following articles:
http://digitalmusic.weblogsinc.com/2006/08/07/the-riaa-vs-john-doe-a-laypersons-guide-to-filesharing-lawsui/
http://www.riaa.com/news/newsletter/012104.asp
http://www.riaa.com/news/newsletter/013106.asp
http://www.wired.com/news/digiwood/0,1412,60341,00.html
http://chnm.gmu.edu/digitalhistory/links/cached/chapter7/link7.24b.statutorycopyrightdamages.html
2007-01-31 07:39:46 · answer #4 · answered by Rose D 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is illegal to download copyrighted music..movies..etc. I know it sucks.. I remember the good ole free napster days.
2007-01-31 07:27:38 · answer #5 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes it is, if it is copyrighted. So, if you like Classical or Big Band, go for it. Download anything recent and you are taking a chance on getting sued.
2007-01-31 07:22:50 · answer #6 · answered by Kokopelli 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
i thought that it was legal. there was a big debackle a while back with kazaa or something ...
idk. the music is copyrighted, so i think that's the biggest issue.
2007-01-31 07:26:54 · answer #7 · answered by Natalie M 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yes and no
2007-01-31 07:27:02 · answer #8 · answered by carla</3 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yup, sorry.
2007-01-31 09:48:13 · answer #9 · answered by kaisergirl 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋