ok, well ive just created a video viewing website, it doesnt host any illegal content it just streams it, is it illegal? http://watch-tv-episodes.com
Yes, it is illegal unless you have copywrites to the material. http://www.slyck.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=35455
i agree. all those contents is copyrighted to the video producers unless you request permission (in written or any legal request form).
I'm not a lawyer. Which is the most appropriate person to ask. But, I would say your website is fine. Just be on the look out for DMCA complaints, and comply promptly.
The problem is that the DCMA 'safe harbour' provisions only apply to user-submitted content. If the website owner is also the one posting the content, then they can just go straight for a copyright violation lawsuit.
im only 13 lol, will they really send me to jail? also, i u never know, i might not be the only one posting... maybe i have granted permission to others to use posting commands also how could i make it legal?
Unlikely you would go to jail, but there is a decent chance of you/your parents getting sued for thousands of dollars, or losing thousands of dollars when you settle with the MPAA. The way to make it legal is shut down the site.
If you're 13, you're unlikely to go to jail over it (in fact, generally people of any age don't go to jail over copyright infringement). However, as MelogKnaj said, you could be sued for thousands of dollars for contributory copyright infringement, particularly as you said that you are aware that you're streaming illegal content. The way to make a legal site is to either use copyrighted works that you have been granted permission to use or to make your own content. As far as your inference that you could use the safe harbor provisions of the DMCA if you allow others to upload the content, it's an argument that won't fly. If you encourage others to upload illegal content, not only are you vicariously liable, but you've now gotten all of your friends in trouble with you. Let me know if you have other questions. Deena __________________________________________________________________________ Any opinions are offered without knowledge of the specific law of your jurisdiction and with only the limited information provided in your post. No advice given here should be reasonably relied upon by you or any third party without consulting an attorney who is aware of all of the facts and law surrounding your situation. Any advice given here is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship in any way.
thanks for the posts, i now have ''users'' (some of my friends) post all the videos so the second chance thing should work so i dont get sued right away
Making other people accomplices to your copyright violations won't protect you at all in court. If anything it will make things worse.
You could go to a learning center for youths who have done wrong. But it's not so illegal as the videos are hosted on megavideo.