Copyright Laws

[Nick]

A couple of years ago I bought a videotape online( with my dad’s money, and with his permission) of a television broadcast of a 1993 Notre Dame Football game. When I bought the tape I assumed that it was perfectly legal because I got the name of the guy who sells these tapes from a person at the archives section at the official website of the University of Notre Dame (www.nd.edu) However, recently I began wondering if a individual person would really have legal permission to sell tapes of a television broadcasts so I emailed the guy I bought the tape from and asked him if he had official legal permission and he said no, he did not. My question to you is, do you think that I should immediately throw away the tape I bought ( it cost about $15) because it is illegal? Would it be a serious sin for me to keep it? My dad will most likely be very angry if I throw it away because he is a huge Notre Dame fan, and he did pay for it.

 

[Nick]

This is the response I got from the guy who sold me the tape. What should I do?

No one sells Official copys of games, I do it as a hobby, but when you call
the U of ND and ask where you can get a tape, see what they say. Just being
honest.I never sell anything that is officialy for sale

 

[Tom]

Nick, this is not a legal brief but a moral discussion.

Nick:

A couple of years ago I bought a videotape online( with my dad’s money, and with his permission) of a television broadcast of a 1993 Notre Dame Football game. When I bought the tape I assumed that it was perfectly legal because I got the name of the guy who sells these tapes from a person at the archives section at the official website of the University of Notre Dame (www.nd.edu)

If the official website referred you to this source there is no problem (they actually gave their permission by this referral).

Nick:

However, recently I began wondering if a individual person would really have legal permission to sell tapes of a television broadcasts so I emailed the guy I bought the tape from and asked him if he had official legal permission and he said no, he did not. My question to you is, do you think that I should immediately throw away the tape I bought ( it cost about $15) because it is illegal?

No, as long as you do not use the tape for commercial purposes (to make money with it) or reproduce it yourself. It is legal and moral for you to use it for personal purposes.

Nick:

Would it be a serious sin for me to keep it?

Not only not serious, no sin at all. Sin requires an informed choice.

Nick:

My dad will most likely be very angry if I throw it away because he is a huge Notre Dame fan, and he did pay for it.

Although in this case there is no sin in keeping and using the tape for your own use, please do not let anyone’s anger keep you from doing what is right.