Originally Posted by
HSVTSO Dean
Last time I checked (which, admittedly, was several years ago and I don't have time before I start my shift to look it up, so correct me if I'm wrong!), the FBI warning stated any unauthorized reproduction is illegal.
I know most video games I've played in the past several years have a stipulation in the EULA that states the owner can make one copy for back-up archival purposes, but I'm not aware of any DVDs with the same authorization.
The only problem is that it conflicts with fair use doctrines, which muddies the whole thing. I'm not going to get into that argument here. However, in a lot of cases certain clauses in EULAs aren't enforceable, such as shrink wrap licensing where if you open the software, you agree to the license before you have a chance to read it.
I think with DVD's, if you can find a way to copy the whole DVD and not the copy protection, you may not run afoul of the law. Breaking the CSS protection on it is illegal, but I haven't seen any rulings that copying an entire DVD you own for backup purposes is breaking the law.
In the gaming world, the whole DRM and copyright thing's starting to come under fire with hearings on the DRM and stuff in March.