Remove DRM from eBooks - you should be aware of that
You can remove the DRM protection from ebooks with software. In this practical tip we explain whether this is legal and what you should consider.
Legal for removing DRM copy protection from eBooks
- Even if you bought the eBook completely legally, you must not remove the DRM protection. There is no right to a private copy.
- Section 95a UrhR (protection of technical measures) prohibits the levering out of technical protective measures without exception. So you must not remove the DRM if you only want to use the unprotected copy for private purposes.
- You cannot be prosecuted for removing the protection as long as you only make a private copy. This excludes § 108 b, paragraph 1, sentence 2 UrhR.
- In civil law, however, the rights holder could sue you for this.
- In practice, rights holders will not be able to understand that you have removed the DRM if you only use the copy privately. However, you should refrain from doing so. In any case, it is illegal.
Convert your own eBooks to other formats using Caliber
With the "Caliber" program for Windows or Mac, you can convert your purchased eBooks into other formats - theoretically with plugins, even for protected books. You should refrain from doing this for the reasons mentioned. It is better to make sure when buying that there is no DRM protection on the eBooks. In another article we show you where you can buy eBooks without DRM protection. If you have purchased an unprotected book, install "Caliber" and then proceed as follows:
- Import your eBooks into the "Caliber" library via "Add books" (see picture) and select the output format. "Caliber" supports many different eBook formats.
- Click on "Convert Books" (see picture). The e-books are then converted into the desired format and output. Attention: The copy protection may also be removed. Therefore, make sure in advance that the book has no protection.
- If the book is provided with more DRM protection, you will receive an error message.
You can also read unprotected EPUB-format eBooks on your Kindle. You can read what you have to do in another practical tip.