Duplicating DVDs

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  • Is it legal to circulate duplicated DVDs? Assuming of course that the Library has purchased an original copy and only makes one archival copy to circulate.
    I have gotten mixed responses from lawyers and other library staff. Anyone have a definitive answer?
  • It depends on the situation. Some types of copying by libraries and archives are exemptions to a copyright holder's rights. Some aren't. Why are you circulating a duplicate instead of the original? Is the DVD still for sale? Why circulate an "archival" copy? ^_^; How long before the work is out of copyright?

    If it's so the original won't be damaged or stolen, then if the DVD is still available for purchase at a fair price, it probably isn't legal. Libraries can't make "just in case" copies of DVDs.

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