Anyone know...

l a u r e n

*coughs tea all over the monitor* ummmmm yah its so illegal that i wouldnt be surprised if u get a cease and desist order from them for even posting this thread :laugh:

"there is no spoon"
{biz stuff} {about me}

Christian Graus

Hockey wrote:

I want to buy a bunch of movies and rent them locally to friends, family and friends of friends, etc...

In theory, here in Australia, the video companies do special editions for video libraries, and the only difference is that they are four-six times the price, the point being that the normal versions are not licenced for rental. In practice, the video libraries buy the cheaper versions, and no-one cares enough to sue. Here's a more sensible suggestion - what if you get friends to pitch in with you on the cost of DVDs, so that you all co-own the movies ( or all own different movies ) and share them amongst yourselves ? Although, movies on DVD are so cheap in the US ( and I therefore presume Canada ), that I don't really see the point. Christian Graus - Microsoft MVP - C++

Jim Crafton

Can't speak for Canada, but as Lauren mentioned, in the US that's completely illegal. Copyright in the US has what's called "fair use" parts to it. In other words, it's permissible to make a back up copy of something (for yourself), or at least it used to be. ANYTHING distributed to others without the copyright holder's legal consent, regardless of whether or not you make money, is a violation of copyright laws (as I understand it). Plus, given the current climate, with the RIAA and MPAA and friends, doing what you're describing would be nuts, to say the least, *especially* if there's financial gain involved. ¡El diablo está en mis pantalones! ¡Mire, mire! Real Mentats use only 100% pure, unfooled around with Sapho Juice(tm)! SELECT * FROM User WHERE Clue > 0 0 rows returned Save an Orange - Use the VCF!

alex barylski

Cuz...well...if I simply wanted movies...I'd LimeWire them onto my computer ;P Like I said...I was interested in the possibility of renting them out eventually to people whom I don't know... :) It's frustrating being a genius and living the life of a moron!!!

Christian Graus

Hockey wrote:

I was interested in the possibility of renting them out eventually to people whom I don't know...

Oh, OK. Then you need to find out how video libraries do it, and I think you'll find they pay more per movie for the right to hire them out. Christian Graus - Microsoft MVP - C++

Christian Graus

Jim Crafton wrote:

ANYTHING distributed to others without the copyright holder's legal consent, regardless of whether or not you make money, is a violation of copyright laws (as I understand it).

I thought that fair use included lending to a friend ( for free ). Does it include letting a friend watch it at my house ? At his house, if I am there ? Christian Graus - Microsoft MVP - C++

code frog 0

Legal aspects aside that would be such a huge hassle you'd tire of it very, very quickly. I'd highly recommend finding a different way to make money off your friends and family. ;P

Some assembly required. Code-frog System Architects, Inc.

Jim Crafton

Discalimer: IANAL :) I *think* the "lending" part might be a gray area, prior to digital content at least. But I suspect that wasn't covered. Having people over to watch is OK, that's fair use. Selling them tickets is definitely NOT OK. ¡El diablo está en mis pantalones! ¡Mire, mire! Real Mentats use only 100% pure, unfooled around with Sapho Juice(tm)! SELECT * FROM User WHERE Clue > 0 0 rows returned Save an Orange - Use the VCF!

Jim Crafton

There's always charging for tech support :) ¡El diablo está en mis pantalones! ¡Mire, mire! Real Mentats use only 100% pure, unfooled around with Sapho Juice(tm)! SELECT * FROM User WHERE Clue > 0 0 rows returned Save an Orange - Use the VCF!

Christian Graus

How about Amway ? Christian Graus - Microsoft MVP - C++

code frog 0

I think I said, "...a better way..." not one that would leave him void of friends and family.;P

Some assembly required. Code-frog System Architects, Inc.

Lost User

Hockey wrote:

Would this break any copyright laws???

Yes. Read the notices at the beginning of any movie.

Hockey wrote:

...and it's only illegal if you get caught...

No. It's illegal either way. You only pay fines and/or do time if you get caught.

Hockey wrote:

Do you need to get special permission from big time movie people before I purchase their movies legally (via Walmart, etc) and begin to rent them out to friends???

No. What you need is a business license, a provincial tax number and a GST number (although you only need one if you will be making more than $30k per year but it can be advantageous to have one regardless). Then you buy the movies from a distributer, not a retailer. The cost will be significantly higher per copy because you are paying for a license to rent them out. Hope this helps. Cheers, Drew.

Lost User

Hockey wrote:

it's only illegal if you get caught

You answered the question yourself! The tigress is here :-D

Maximilien

why would you charge to friends and family if they want to borrow your DVD ?

Maximilien Lincourt Your Head A Splode - Strong Bad

Member 96

Programming not working out for you? ;P

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FlyingTinman

I'm sure it's illegal to rent out videos. Just sell them for, say, $6 each, ... ...with an undertaking to buy them back for $3 a week later ;) Steve T