Hey guys, I was just wondering if someone could tell me, if video sites that don't actually host the videos are illegal or not? Sites such as www.tvshowreel.com, would that be considered legal, or illegal.. Thanks, Nick.
I think as far you use user-generated video content like from video site youtube ect you won't have any problem.
If you are embedding them then it is not user generated content. Hosting (in the US and other countries) does not determine if it is illegal or not. Whether the material is infringing determines legallity. See the Grokster case and several of the torrent site cases to see this in action.
You're assuming the first action they take is to send a takedown notice. They are not required to. A copyright holder can choose to sue right out of the gate. Also, since the content is not user generated, even if you comply with a takedown notice the copyright holder can choose to sue after the video was taken down.
Youtube give you the embed code so they are surley not illegal and are promoting the external use of videos, but always best to read the TOS for the site to be sure and specific to your case.
From YouTube's ToS: What they are saying is that it is your responsibility to make sure the videos you use are not infringing. If I copy a tv show and upload it on youtube and allow the embed link, it is still infringing material because I did not have the authority to distribute that show. So if you choose to use it on your website you can be held liable for infringement.