Forum Discussion
Well, it happened...
Thanks for the link. Actually, I did some research on the web about this including reading that article. After hours of reading boring legal stuff, I came to the conclusion that the legal status of files downloaded from PlayOn is iffy.
Making copies is probably technically illegal, but I didn't find a case where anyone was sued or prosecuted. IMO another one of those things the big media companies would love to stop people from doing, but are unable to do so.
Now if we could just get rid of the bundling of TV stations.
The system functions as a cloud-based DVR and is covered, legally, by copyright and usage rules that apply to DVRs. There are no cases against the company because they are not in violation of copyright law and so there is no cause for action.
maratsade wrote:The system functions as a cloud-based DVR and is covered, legally, by copyright and usage rules that apply to DVRs. There are no cases against the company because they are not in violation of copyright law and so there is no cause for action.
I think the legality of DVRs is based on a decision by the Ninth Circuit Court, one of the most reversed circuit courts in the country. I think the media companies have given up trying to stop DVRs and POC though. That said, the minute you make a copy you're technically in violation of copyright laws.
Don't get me wrong, I'm strickly on the consumers side in this, and love it then the media companies lose. For an example of media company greed: Warner held the copyright on "Happy Birthday to You" and wanted as much as $700 every time it was sung at birthday parties. How they were able to get a copyright in the first place is a mystery to me, since the tune was written in 1893, If that's the way our present copyright laws are written IMO they need to be changed. Thank goodness Warner eventually lost and had to pay $14 million in damages.
Take that! Big greedy media company! :>)>
DVR recordings are legal under copyright law's fair use doctrine, and the courts have consistently upheld this doctrine.
"DVR recordings are legal under copyright law's fair use doctrine, and the courts have consistently upheld this doctrine."
I hope it stays that way, but looking at the history of the music file sharers, I have my doubts,
Also it seems that you can't make a copy and give it to somebody.
From First Circuit Court, Sony BMG Music Entertainment v Tenebaum:
"Although the First Circuit Court, in its opinion, recommends Congress to reanalyze its copyright laws
..."
Amen!
"Peer-to-peer file sharing of copyrighted works by individuals for the purpose of "enjoyment" is not fair use."
Boooo!
Did I just accidentally stumble into a legal forum? :>)>
