"RRRRR" You A Pirate?
Definition:
Pirate-(noun) A person who uses or reproduces the work or invention of another without authorization.
Music Piracy-Copying or distributing protected works or products without the permission of the true owner or author of an intellectual property.
Explanation:
Technology has made digital copying easier than ever, but just because advances in technology make it possible to copy music doesn’t mean it’s legal to do so. Here are some examples of what is okay, and what is not okay.
1. Internet Copying
It’s okay to download music from sites authorized by the owners of the copyrighted music, whether or not such sites charge a fee. It’s never okay to download unauthorized music from pirate sites (web or FTP), or peer-to-peer systems. Examples of peer-to-peer systems making unauthorized music available for download include: Kazaa, Grokster, WinMX, LimeWire, Bearshare, Aimster, Morpheus, and Gnutella. It’s never okay to make unauthorized copies of music available to others (that is, uploading music) on peer-to-peer systems.
2. Copying CD's
It’s okay to copy music onto an analog cassette, but not for commercial purposes.It’s also okay to copy music onto special audio CD-R’s, mini-discs, and digital tapes (because royalties have been paid on them),but, again, not for commercial purposes.Beyond that, there’s no legal "right" to copy the copyrighted music on a CD onto a CD-R. However, burning a copy of CD onto a CD-R, or transferring a copy onto your computer hard drive or your portable music player, won’t usually raise concerns so long as:
The copy is made from an authorized original CD that you legitimately own
The copy is just for your personal use. It’s not a personal use. In fact, it’s illegal –to give away the copy or lend it to others for copying.
The owners of copyrighted music have the right to use protection technology to allow or prevent copying. Remember, it’s never okay to sell or make commercial use of a copy that you make.
Are there occasionally exceptions to these rules? Sure. A "garage" or unsigned band might want you to download its own music; but, bands that own their own music are free to make it available legally by licensing it.
