Is it illegal to sell a book before it comes out in america?

Question

I need to know because I can get the 7th Harry Potter book from a friend ahead of time.

My friend lives in england.

Answer 1

It should be ok if you legally and legitimately obtained a copy in another country. However, in the case of HP, the books are set to be released simultaneously in Britain and America. I expect your friend is full of **** or plans to steal a copy. Either way, I suggest you wait you turn like everyone else.

Answer 2

yeah - I work in a bookstore and I know this - the American publisher can definately sue you if you do. I'm assuming you mean to sell it in america? As long as you don't get caught........

I know that we get heavily fined if we sell it ahead of time, and we also have the threat of not getting future books from that publisher on time. ( as a bookstore)

I thought it comes out in England the same time it does here. Was I wrong?

Answer 3

if it hasn't been release in america, then where in the world did your friend got it? That is the question. unless he illegally copied it from the prototype or original copy, or it is legally sold somewhere else.