Is this legal? To take an old film not actually available in the USA - transfer it to DVD (from a VHS tape) and then sell it?
I am actually thinking of old sci-fi B movies.
2007-12-01 20:51:16 · 9 answers · asked by David 5 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
no, of course not, even old b-movies are subject to copyright
2007-12-01 20:57:15 · answer #1 · answered by Splishy 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Um.... you know that little screen they show at the beginning of the movie... the one that talks about the FBI warning, and the copyrights... that really should answer your question right there, but hey, I'll answer too...
IT IS ILLEGAL. You would be selling a copy of the copyright holders product. There will be large fines to pay, and damages owed to the copyright holder when you are caught.
2007-12-01 21:22:00 · answer #2 · answered by evil_streak_78 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
copying pre recorded material/video recording to a DVD is perfectly legal if it is for yourself or if you own the copyright to that material - anything else is highly illegal - avoid it unless you have loads of money to waste on court costs and heavy fines!
This law is universal......well, supposedly. :o)
2007-12-02 09:58:41 · answer #3 · answered by Leu 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Transfering from a VHS tape to a DVD shouldn't be illigal, but selling it is.
2007-12-01 20:58:40 · answer #4 · answered by flyufoolz_1 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You would have to determine if the movie had reverted to public domain first.
If the copyright is still effective, then the sale would be illegal. You are only authorised to sell the original (VHS) copy.
Copying from one format to another for your personal use is not illegal.
2007-12-01 21:28:55 · answer #5 · answered by Wyoming Rider 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could be prosecuted in criminal law -- it is theft because you would be "appropriating property belonging to another" - legal definition of 'theft'.
You could also be liable in civil law for damages (money)
"ownership" --- a thing is yours if you have (1) the right to sell or (2) the right to dispose of by way of gift.
2007-12-01 21:07:22 · answer #6 · answered by RED-CHROME 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, it's a breach of the owners copyright. Even if it isn't sold any more, the copyright owner has the right to resume sales any time he wants.
If you want to do it, you'll need to pay a license fee to the copyright owner.
Richard
2007-12-01 20:55:59 · answer #7 · answered by rickinnocal 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is illegal to sell copies of something that you do not own the copyright to. They even give you the warning about it at the beginning of the movie!
2007-12-02 12:54:36 · answer #8 · answered by smile_its_not_that_painfull 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No its not legal
2007-12-01 20:55:02 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only if the copyright has expired.
2007-12-01 20:56:18 · answer #10 · answered by Gray Wanderer 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋