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show me somewhere...

There was a clause in the UK copyright law that actually gave you the right to make a backup copy and that you caould actually sue if there is a protection not allowing you to do so.

tgn_rogue wrote:There was a clause in the UK copyright law that actually gave you the right to make a backup copy and that you caould actually sue if there is a protection not allowing you to do so.

Yes I remember this being quoted during the days of Amiga games when it was necessary to backup games such as the Lucas Arts Adventures including Monkey Island. The issue of making personal copies is still a gray area though at least to my mind.

Well, a week ago I contacted Brein (the Anti-Piracy Cops in the netherlands) myself, and they confirmed you're not allowed to back-up software, including Games/Entertainment (ALL software which is copyright-protected). They also remarked you USED to do so, but policies has been sharpened about three years ago.

I believe them more than you all, heheh

Well believe what you want to but I actually Study legislation such as copyright as part of my college course. So I can easily get the exact documentation used (for the Uk at least) and I know a detective who i can also ask to get information redarding the laws from.

It's interesting nonetheless. I mean if even these piracy warriors have the wrong info, it's a pretty messed up business.

As long as you're using it for private use or your direct range, nobody will ring the alarm....

Exactly .. Besides i still mainly just play the Games i actually own on the Cd-i I have.

Still I'm convinced "tgn_rogue", "christw" and "unblestone" are wrong. After some research and sources from the government itself(even applicable for the EU), I am told, again, it is a big mistake for people thinking you are allowed to make a copy for your personal use of videogames (all software). However, the only thing which can make it confusing, is when your original copy is not capable of doing what it is supposed to do (ie. PLAY), you may copy the disc, only to replace the original one. Never you can copy a game for your own use. Reproduction in any form is prohibited. An old friend who is also studying legislation got me some copies of the applicable forms, so don't be fooled when other people say these things like above. Stupid vague lawsuits...

In this view it is also forbidden to download the game (apart from 'downloading being legal') even if you own it.

Apart from this, movies and music can be copied for personal use only legally. But, when a disc is copy-protected, you are not allowed to crack this copy protection in any way. (a little ambiguous)

Another interesting fact is the copyright of (any) software lasts 50 (FIFTY) years AFTER the last author of the software dies.

Bas wrote:Another interesting fact is the copyright of (any) software lasts 50 (FIFTY) years AFTER the last author of the software dies.

Hmm... of natural causes?