MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - Copyright issues in replicating you library in eBook format

ZacWolf · 11-24-2009, 06:24 PM

Howdy, I'm new to mobileread!

I have a question, that may be a touchy subject. I did a couple of searches but didn't get any hits...

What are the legal/copyright implications of replicating a physical book library, into eBook format.

I understand that doing a pure scan of your own books should be covered under fair use just like ripping copies of your own tapes/disks of music/video.

But what about using other, non-DRM, electronic sources for eBooks? If you have already bought the paper copy, and just want an electronic copy for your OWN use, does the source of that copy make a distinction?

This all sounds like the original mp3.com, which allowed you to place a CD into a local cd-rom drive, where it would scan the CD ID, and then grant you access to an electronic version that they had ripped. The courts rules that this was a violation of copyright, and shut down mp3.com

I guess it all boils down to what the consumer feels they are buying [content], vs. what the distributor feels they are selling [media].

Have there been any recent news or lawsuits specific to ebooks?

11-24-2009, 06:24 PM	#1
ZacWolf Member Posts: 18 Karma: 10 Join Date: Nov 2009 Device: stanza on iTouch, nook	Copyright issues in replicating your library in eBook format Howdy, I'm new to mobileread! I have a question, that may be a touchy subject. I did a couple of searches but didn't get any hits... What are the legal/copyright implications of replicating a physical book library, into eBook format. I understand that doing a pure scan of your own books should be covered under fair use just like ripping copies of your own tapes/disks of music/video. But what about using other, non-DRM, electronic sources for eBooks? If you have already bought the paper copy, and just want an electronic copy for your OWN use, does the source of that copy make a distinction? This all sounds like the original mp3.com, which allowed you to place a CD into a local cd-rom drive, where it would scan the CD ID, and then grant you access to an electronic version that they had ripped. The courts rules that this was a violation of copyright, and shut down mp3.com I guess it all boils down to what the consumer feels they are buying [content], vs. what the distributor feels they are selling [media]. Have there been any recent news or lawsuits specific to ebooks? Last edited by ZacWolf; 11-24-2009 at 06:32 PM. Reason: typos