Hi,
I used to work for a tutoring company. I believe the company is violating copyright law. The company buys the standard, run-of-the-mill test prep books (such as Barron's, Kaplan, etc.), and make several copies of the same book, and distributes the copies to all their centers, rather than buying individual books for each center. Is this legal or is it a violation of copyright law?
2007-05-15 17:19:30 · 9 answers · asked by Denize 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
It depends entirely upon the company who has copyright to the book.
Bring it to their attention. If they want to seek legal action it falls on them. There isn's really anything to gain though.
If they put the test-prep couse out of business, then who buys books at all?
Even in public school this is done sometimes.
To copy certain stories out of books to distribute to classes for an assignment...
2007-05-15 17:27:38 · answer #1 · answered by Jeff B 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The tutoring company is most likely intentionally infringing the rights holders copyrights. They are in the publishing industry and would be considered 'experts' on publishing and copyright by default because they deal with it every day as an integral part of thier business. That means these guys "know or should have known" better and they know they are wrong. You should alert the publisher/author of each book. They aren't just stealing from the companies, but from the authors, illustrators, etc. who worked on those projects and who will work on future editions. Personally and professionally, I'm disgusted.
2007-05-16 19:02:03 · answer #2 · answered by Jim B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is one of those deals where you have to get caught. It's the same as downloading songs off the internet, but if it's being done with a copier they usually get away with it. That doesn't make it right. There are churches that buy one copy of sheet music for the choir and slap it on the Xerox. Somebody worked to produce that, and deserves to get paid. Although "Thou shalt not steal" should apply, it's very common. Very expensive if you get caught, too. I did hear of a church that got caught and had to pay many thousands, because it was charged by the page.
What you describe sounds like an intentional violation of copyright law.
2007-05-15 18:28:52 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is all very suspicious.
However, copyright law is just a safety net that applies in the absense of a contract. publishers and clients can agree, by contract, to almost any terms, including subsequent copying. So you ex-boss could very well have a license to provide his centers with home-made copies.
The publishers will know if they have given license, and they won't mind if you enquire to them about it.
2007-05-19 09:32:43 · answer #4 · answered by lare 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if the publishers have given them the ok to do it, its not a violation. However if they havent, it is. Contact the publishers and find out. Then turn them in if they didn't.
Sounds like that tutoring company left a bad taste in your mouth.
2007-05-15 17:39:50 · answer #5 · answered by bunnicula 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's probably a violation of their licensing agreement...but theoretically, they could have some deal with the publisher to save the costs of shipping and instead to locally print the books as they need them.
2007-05-15 17:26:05 · answer #6 · answered by Brand X 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If they are violating the copyright law, why don't you just hire yourself a scumbag lawyer and turn them in. There is a number you can call if you suspect it. They pay pretty well for that sort of info. It's up to you, whistleblower.
2007-05-15 17:27:04 · answer #7 · answered by Ryan G 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is a violation of the law. You should contact the publishers, and you may find that there is a reward (small) for whistle blowing.
2007-05-15 17:27:29 · answer #8 · answered by skippy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not if they have permission from the publisher.
2007-05-15 17:26:24 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋