Copy copy-protected DVDs legally
In this practical tip, we explain whether you can legally copy copy-protected DVDs. The legal situation is sometimes not quite clear to laypeople. Here you will find the most important information.
Bypassing copy protection on DVDs - is this legal?
Copyright states that copy protection measures must not be circumvented. Copying a copy-protected DVD is therefore never legal.
- The legal text from the copyright law reads: "Effective technical measures to protect a work protected according to this law or another protected object protected according to this law may not be circumvented without the consent of the right holder, insofar as the agent is aware or, according to the circumstances, must be aware that the circumvention takes place in order to enable access to such a work or subject of protection or its use. "
Legal back door for private copying
Even if removing copy protection is not legal, there is a small back door for private copies:
- You cannot be prosecuted for circumventing a copy lock, provided you create a private copy for yourself or for persons connected to you personally. Private copies are therefore free of penalties.
- But: The rights holder can take legal action against you if you have removed copy protection.
- However, since the state will not investigate here, it is very unlikely that the rights holder will ever know if you have cracked copy protection.