Re: Re: Video

From: Rand Nicholson (writserv@nbnet.nb.ca)
Date: Wed Mar 12 1997 - 15:24:49 PST


Date: Wed, 12 Mar 1997 19:24:49 -0400
From: Rand Nicholson <writserv@nbnet.nb.ca>
To: cp@opus.hpl.hp.com
Message-Id: <aabcdefg901$foo@default>
Subject: Re: Re: Video


>> >As an alternative, I went to my local liberary, checked out the video, took
>> >it home and made a copy (for private viewing purposes only).
>>
>> Aaaahhh which is still quite illegal - you are in breach of copyright
>> and you could get charged for doing this. It would be better to
>> check the video out of the library and, if you like it enough, chase
>> "it up and buy one"
>
>Hmm... Considering that the public owns what is in a library, why on
>Earth would it be illegal to make a copy, that will not be used to
>make profit by showing it, of what you already own? You can legally
>tape the same shows off the tube when they are played by a TV station
>for the profit of said station.

Nope. That would be an infringement of the copyright laws. You, legally,
cannot tape or otherwise reproduce a weather report without contractual
permission. Tough to enforce.

>BTW, most libraries have photo copying
>devices so you can make copies of the copy righted books and I have not
>noticed any legal hollabalu over that...
>
>Missing a bit of info on this one,
>Dave Evans

Speaking as a published writer, libraries have a special dispensation on
this. But, the same copyright laws apply. Try copying the entire text of a
book and mention it to the Librarian on your way out. It is considered
theft.

The public does not "own" what is in a library. The library holds what it
has in the public "trust". A lawyer can make these distinctions _very_
clear, especially in a courtroom. :)

Hope this helps.

Kind Regards,

Rand



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