editing

[captainkirk]

5 years ago i was done for editing violation because i taped the best bits of around five videos that i had bought at around �10 a go. the police said i got done because i did not tape the lot. why i got them from a shop and i taped the best bits out of them. its just like if i get a cd and just have 10 out of the 20 that you like then thay will do you for not likeing the other 10 you do not want

[Ethel]

What did you do with this compilation when you edited and copied them?

I am sure you know that most cds, videos, tapes, dvds, books and so on that you buy are copyrighted and they state they must not be copied, reproduced etc in any form.

How did you get caught?

[Buenchico]

As Ethel states, there's a clear copyright statement on all commercial videos. It's illegal to make any copy, even for your own purposes. (However, I assume that you must have attempted to sell your compilation as I fail to see how the police, or Trading Standards, would either know or care about you making a single compilation tape for your own private viewing).

Even recording a TV programme contravenes copyright legislation. There's an exemption made for 'time shift' purposes (i.e. so that you can watch the programme on a single occasion at a time after that of transmission) but retaining a copy of a recorded programme indefinitely (or passing the recording to another person) still breaches copyright law.

Many copyright infringements are only covered by civil law. (i.e. you can be sued but not fined or imprisoned). If the police were it involved, you must have been seeking to profit by breaking the law. Copyright infringement is (quite rightly) taken very seriously by those who hold the copyright. Only this week, an American woman (Jammie Thomas) lost a court action that she could have settled by paying $3000 (about �1500) because she made 24 tracks available for upload through Limewire. She now has a bill for $222,000 (about �110,000). This is to be applauded. Let's hope that the UK courts take a similar firm line with those who breach copyright.

Chris