Originally Posted by DEVIS
I don't pretend to have read all of the laws pertaining to this matter... it may have something to do with the fact that I am not a lawyer but an IT guru with, among others, extensive knowledge in file conversions. I'm looking at it purely from the technological side of it, which, if I understand correctly, hasnt really been considered that much.
Well, I am an intellectual property lawyer and I have read all of the laws pertaining to this matter, along with the case law construing. Please don't take this the wrong way, but I'm really curious. It seems that I routinely get into arguments on the internet about law with "IT gurus." They always start by saying something along the lines of, "I haven't read the law, but it seems to me . . ." and goes down hill from there.
What is it about IT that causes their practioners to think that their beliefs about law are the equal of an attorney who specializes in an area?
I'm just curious, because this has happened quite a bit, recently.
Here's an interesting take... does the law say anything about partial copies? If a partial copy is legal,
It's not. The law precludes unauthorized copying, absent a cognizable defense to infringement.
You ask why I dont think it's right to make the copy of a DVD...
Actually, I didn't ask. I said, essentially, that you were wrong.
I have downloaded plenty but plenty of movies from various sites throughout the internet. I believe in trying before buying.
Evidently you also believe in copyright infringement, as well. Whereas it's still an open question as to whether the DMCA and Fair Use doctrine permit or preclude copying a DVD to a laptop for airplane viewing, it is clearly, unequivocally, and unambiguously a violation of law to download a film protected by copyright without authorization for the purpose you have stated.