copyright question

[dvdguy24]

Hello,

I'm a member of a message board and recently, I mentioned a DVD that I had made from a concert that was shown on TV. The concert, which was over a year ago was never released on DVD, and to our (the fans) knowledge, has no plans to be released. So, someone asked me if I could send them a copy of the show - is this legal? I don't see why not - They play it on TV a lot ( but on Showtime ) and this person doesn't have it, but the content can be accessed on some websites, just not in full because of the large size, is also available in bootlegs ALL over the internet...but for some reason, I'm afraid to send it.

What do you think? I'm also NOT charging for anything - well, I am charging for shipping - but that's it. So, i'm making NO money from the artist.

[Marvingj]

You cannot give a copy to your friend, thats stealing. Its one thing to make a personal copy for home usage. But to give a copy is on the thin line of Copyright issues. Not trying to be a Hard Ass but my 2 cents.

[dvdguy24]

You cannot give a copy to your friend, thats stealing. Its one thing to make a personal copy for home usage. But to give a copy is on the thin line of Copyright issues. Not trying to be a Hard Ass but my 2 cents.

thanks, I won't do it. I figured as much, but just wanted to check.

[adam]

Its copyright infringement, yes. Your only right to record broadcasts is to back them up for a one time later viewing. Even keeping them as part of your permanent collection is considered an infringement in the US (I'm guessing you are in the US) and you are taking it further by distributing it. Whether or not you charge money is irrellevant.

The fact that the show has not been released in another form like DVD, as far as you know, actually makes it worse because courts greatly value a copyright holder's exclusive right to initial publication.

[laspis59]

Yes,illegal,but nearly everything is illegal nowadays.
Cracking CD's and DVD's using (Sly) software,hint hint.
Way too many restrictions,but do people really obide by the laws,no I dont think so.I'd guess nearly everyone that uses this and other sites have broken the law at least once.

[jimmalenko]

I was just thinking that since it was on TV, in the US you only have time-shifting rights for a one-time later viewing, and I'm glad that Adam has said basically what I was going to say ...

If there's plenty of bootlegs available on the net, I'd suggest the person has other means of getting hold of this, and that you're probably better off to stay out of it.

[dvdguy24]

Its copyright infringement, yes. Your only right to record broadcasts is to back them up for a one time later viewing. Even keeping them as part of your permanent collection is considered an infringement in the US (I'm guessing you are in the US) and you are taking it further by distributing it. Whether or not you charge money is irrellevant.

The fact that the show has not been released in another form like DVD, as far as you know, actually makes it worse because courts greatly value a copyright holder's exclusive right to initial publication.

Yes, I am in the US, and that is absolutely ridicolous that I can't keep it for more than one viewing - is that a joke? 8) Of course, I'd like to know how many people obey THAT law.

and that last part is really shocking.

thanks for the advice.

[dvdguy24]

I've definitely decided to stay out of it!!!!!!!!!!!!! I won't even think about it again.

[lordsmurf]

We already did this last week.