Sites that link to streaming movies - Legal?

Discussion in 'Legal Issues' started by TheBigMastodon, Aug 4, 2007.

  1. #1
    I see these sites all the time that link to copyrighted material such as movies or television series'. Is it legal to run a site that only has links to these movies but doesn't actually host any of the copyrighted material?

    For an example of what I am talking about go to http://tv-links.co.uk

    Thank you!
     
    TheBigMastodon, Aug 4, 2007 IP
  2. Hannah

    Hannah Guest

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    #2
    I THINK it is legal, in fact.

    The problem with such sites is that often the content gets removed by the sites which host the content, such as dailymotion.com.
     
    Hannah, Aug 4, 2007 IP
  3. Crusader

    Crusader Peon

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    #3
    It's definitely not legal especially when the site's sole purpose is to distribute these movies. It doesn't matter that the movie isn't actually hosted on the site, it would still be copyright infringement. It's something known as contributory infringement, and depending on the actual copyright holder they can hold you liable for damages.
     
    Crusader, Aug 5, 2007 IP
  4. Kommunicate

    Kommunicate Peon

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    #4
    Kommunicate, Aug 5, 2007 IP
  5. bluegrass special

    bluegrass special Peon

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    #5
    It is definately illegal in the US and Australia. I couldn't find anything about such a law in the UK.

    That being said, US companies have successfully had UK sites shut down for this practice. And in 1997 UK newspapers successfully sued website owners that linked to their material, though in this case the material was diplayed within a frame on the owner's site (nothing hosted though).

    It would appear that even if the UK does not address this at this time, it will in the near future. It's better just to stay away from stuff like this.
     
    bluegrass special, Aug 6, 2007 IP
  6. TheBigMastodon

    TheBigMastodon Peon

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    #6
    How would I go about getting around this like the other sites do? If I hosted the site in Romania or some other developing nation, would that be okay?
     
    TheBigMastodon, Aug 6, 2007 IP