DISCLAIMER: This is just advice, a certified lawyer has neither confirmed nor denied the correctness of this page.
Just some examples, to the best of our understanding, as to what is legal and illegal in the United States as of July 4th, 2006. If you have any questions that aren't covered here, please ask suckacracka at gmail dawt com . In the meantime, use the following rule of thumb: If you can watch/listen to it for free, it is legal to record it for *personal* use, and illegal to generate revenue off of.
Can I record radio?
LEGAL: Only for personal use.
ILLEGAL: When generating revenue.
CASE: <a href="http://www.eff.org/legal/cases/betamax/betamax_supreme_ct.pdf">Sony v. Universal</a>
Can I broadcast radio?
LEGAL: Once again, for personal use, such as listening to your iPod in your car with a transmitter.
ILLEGAL: You must operate withen FCC laws (no broadcast may be more than 50ft), and you cannot generate revenue.up too much.
CASE: None reported.
Can I download music?
LEGAL: Only if you still own the original media, or have proof of ownership and had it stolen.
ILLEGAL: If you never paid for the media, or have transfered ownership of it (sold it / gave it away freely).
CASE: None reported.
Can I backup cds?
LEGAL: As long as you keep the original, and it was not a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Rights_Management"> DRM </a> cd (link to wiki/what is drm?).
ILLEGAL: Ripping a DRM cd. Selling backups / making mixtapes for friends.
CASE: None reported.
Can I trade tapes from live shows?
LEGAL: Many bands have a specific stance on tape trading (whether actual tapes or recordings / digital formats). A good list of legal to trade bands can be found <a href="http://www.archive.org/audio/etree-band-showall.php"> here </a> and <a href="http://btat.wagnerone.com/search.php?oneClick=1"> here </a>.
ILLEGAL: Check the bands website or ask first before trading live shows. A good list of which bands consider it illegal can be found <a href="http://wiki.etree.org/index.php?page=NotAcceptable"> here </a>
CASE: None reported.
Can I record or download tv shows?
LEGAL: As long as you can show that you have legitimate access to the programming through over-the-air broadcasts, or through a cable/satellite subscription.
ILLEGAL: Accessing shows you do not have "authorized access" to (in an unaltered format? ads still intact?)
CASE: <a href="http://www.eff.org/legal/cases/Chamberlain_v_Skylink/">Chamberlain v. Skylink</a> just give the overview page, listing all the court docs ok
Can I watch DVDs in my car?
LEGAL: Sure, as long as they were purchased, and you do not have to circumvent <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Rights_Management"> DRM </a> to play them (such as using <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decss">DeCSS</a>)
ILLEGAL: Many states have laws if your video screen is visible from other cars, it is a distraction.
CASE: None reported.
Can I sing the "Happy Birthday Song"?
LEGAL: You may sing the melody, but only with the public domain lyrics from "Good Morning to All"
ILLEGAL: Singing the song publicly, with the "Happy Birthday" lyrics, without paying royalties.
CASE: Independant investigations have been done by <a href="http://www.kuro5hin.org/story/2003/7/5/112441/6280"> kuro5hin </a> and <a href="http://neuron2neuron.blogspot.com/2006/04/royalty-deadlines-told-to-move-it.html"> Ben Jones </a>.
US Pirate Party - we wan't a happy birthday. Don't you?
Thanks for those who helped compile this page on #USPirateParty