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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
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    3

    Default How to Legally Distribute Movies Online

    Hi Everyone,


    I just want to ask you guys if anyone knows about the process of legally selling movies online (digital copies for download). I've been trying to google it but it's only giving me websites that sells movies (maybe I'm asking the wrong question).

    I've been reading some forums, but from what I've read, you'll be violating the copyright law by just copying the DVD. If that's true, then why are there tons of sites that sell them like Netflix? How are they allowed to sell movies? Is there somewhere I need to apply to to be a legal distributor or something?

    Any insight would be helpful.

    Thanks.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Posts
    38,867

    Default Re: How to Legally Distribute Movies Online

    You have to purchase a license from the "owner" of the movie (the owner of the ip rights, not the owner of the physical DVD you have in your hand) to be able to produce (duplicate when speaking of a digital media) and distribute the movie.

    Yes, that is what Netflix and every other distributor does.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
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    3

    Default Re: How to Legally Distribute Movies Online

    Wow, so you mean, if for example I have about 500 movies, I have to get permission from every single one of the owners of those movies? That's a lot of work hehe.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Posts
    1,991

    Default Re: How to Legally Distribute Movies Online

    no you have to scrap your plan, because you have no chance in hell of getting the required licenses, and if you proceed without licenses you will end up facing a NET act criminal prosecution up to 5 years in prison and a quarter million dollars in fines.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
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    38,867

    Default Re: How to Legally Distribute Movies Online

    Quote Quoting user08
    View Post
    Wow, so you mean, if for example I have about 500 movies, I have to get permission from every single one of the owners of those movies? That's a lot of work hehe.
    You have to PURCHASE a license to copy and distribute the movie from the owner of the copyrights.

    It is not a realistic dream.




    and the copyright violation isn't in copying the movie, as long as it is for your personal use. If you give or sell a copy of the movie and do not dispose of all copies you have, either to that party or in the trash, that would be a violation. If you circumvent encrypted safeguards to be able to copy the movie, that is illegal.



    did you purchase every one of those movies?

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
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    Massachusetts
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    24,521

    Default Re: How to Legally Distribute Movies Online

    That's a lot of work

    You can bet that Netflix's legal staff earns their money. As in, multiple attorneys in contract, entertainment, and intellectual property law, to name but a few.

    NOT a DIY project.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Posts
    3

    Default Re: How to Legally Distribute Movies Online

    Glad I asked you guys first before doing anything. I didn't realize that it's that much trouble to get those licenses, and since I'm a software developer, I thought I could start it out as a hobby since I like movies and I have some spare time to setup my own shop.

    @jk, yes I do own the copies, but it's not much much fewer than 500 movies.

    @Lehk, what did you mean by "there's no chance that I'm getting the license"? Do you mean it would be very expensive or it's literally impossible? If so, how is Netflix acquiring it's licenses?


    Thanks for all the insights guys. It's much appreciated.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Posts
    38,867

    Default Re: How to Legally Distribute Movies Online

    Quote Quoting user08
    View Post
    Glad I asked you guys first before doing anything. I didn't realize that it's that much trouble to get those licenses, and since I'm a software developer, I thought I could start it out as a hobby since I like movies and I have some spare time to setup my own shop.

    @jk, yes I do own the copies, but it's not much much fewer than 500 movies.

    @Lehk, what did you mean by "there's no chance that I'm getting the license"? Do you mean it would be very expensive or it's literally impossible? If so, how is Netflix acquiring it's licenses?


    Thanks for all the insights guys. It's much appreciated.
    you own the copies? What copies?

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