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Question Title Posted By Question Date
Follow up to my question about legal vs. illegal videos matthew Thursday, May 22, 2008

Question:

Brother,

I certainly understand why it is wrong to purchase a bootleg DVD. But could you explain the difference between buying a bootleg video and then taping a television show or movie off of TV? Certainly, programs and movies i've taped off of TV back in the 80's isn't sinful. Please explain. Thanks.

Question Answered by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OLSM

Dear Matthew:

As far as I know, taping off the TV for personal purposes is okay as coming under Fair Use Doctrine, but keeping those recordings permanently may not be. You will have to check with a copyright lawyer on that one. There has been much dispute over the issue of taping over the TV, so I really do not know what the state of the Law is now.

Buying an illegal DVD, on the other hand, is buying stolen property. Same thing in buying bootleg software. It is no different than knowingly buying a stolen car.

Buy the way, while taping a movie off the TV that "may" be okay, it will become a Federal crime if you sell it.

God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary

 


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