Can You Be Sued For Helping Clients Rip DVDs?

DRMer writes "CE Pro has a series of stories that tries to untangle the legalities of DVD ripping in light of the recent RealDVD announcement from RealNetworks. In one of the stories, EFF Attorney Fred von Lohmann discusses the potential liability of those who resell or install DVD-ripping machines (the courts have yet to rule). Another article provides a rather amusing look at how manufacturers justify the legality of their products. Here's one example: 'We are just like Microsoft Vista that does not have a CSS [Content Scramble System] license.'"

Re:Why risk it.

[Anonymous Coward]

I hand the client on my own time a un-labelled Cd with instructions to get anyDVD and the other software they need along with a basic guide. I tell them, you did not get this from me and will deny I have ever seen it or know about it.

Yes, because when you say "I didn't give this to you", that in fact changes reality and they did in fact not get it from you. You should try saying this in court sometime. I'd be curious to learn how it turns out for you.

Re:Why risk it.

[jason.sweet]

You should tape the cd under the seat of a park bench and tell the client to find it there.

That way you cover yourself, and get a repeat customer. That Tom Clancy shit is fun - who wouldn't come back?

Re:Yes

[deander2]

that is still illegal. skeet shooting is like bittorrent - distributing little chunks of files over a broad area, but never the whole file at once! =P

Re:Location, location, location

[phorm]

Right. Why should I buy him anything at all? Clothes, well he just rips them and gets them dirty. Toys, nah, they break too. He can sleep as well on the floor as on a bed.

So I'll just let him wandering around naked and play with a stick, it'll build character, that's what Calvin's dad always says...

Or I could just copy the damn DVD...

Re:Myth TV?

[Anonymous Coward]

I think you and the 5 other people using MythTV are safe.

Re:Yes

[JaiWing]

on that advertising bit...

say you are taken to court and the decision is that in fact you ARE only licensed to view. At that point you file a motion charging the *AA with literally MILLIONS of cases of false advertising. NICE!