Legal limits on sharing copyrighted things

[funxus]

I'm used to sharing things I buy, but don't really know at what point it starts to be illegal. So, if anyone knows (Jeratain seems to be good on this), or can provide a link, where the limit is, I'd like to know so that I at least am aware of what I'm allowed to do and not.

Some cases

If I buy an audio-cd, am I allowed to lend it to someone? To burn it for someone for free (I doubt this is legal)? To put it on my own MP3-player/MD-player for my own use? Can I then lend this player or MD-disk to someone?

If I buy a computer program, can I make a back-up copy for personal use? Can I lend the program to a friend so that this person can install the program? Can I install it on more than one computer at home? If so, am I allowed to use the program on both computers simultaneously?

If I buy a movie, am I allowed to lend it to anyone who wants to see it (as long as I don't charge them)?

Are the rules/laws the same in all countries? Is there a general rule I could think of to know when it's right or wrong? Or should I just go with what I feel is morally right, as in I have paid money to do this?

I feel I sometimes is on the border to what is morally right, and what is wrong, and therefore would at least like to know what my actual rights are.

 

[Lyonesse]

Don't know how much this will help but....

http://www.copyright.gov/

"Is my copyright good in other countries?
The United States has copyright relations with most countries throughout the world, and as a result of these agreements, we honor each other's citizens' copyrights. However, the United States does not have such copyright relationships with every country. For a listing of countries and the nature of their copyright relations with the United States, see Circular 38a, International Copyright Relations of the United States"

 

[bobgote]

funxus: laws are different everywhere.

for eg. In the US, making a backup copy of program or music is illegal, but it is legal in Canada.

You're best checking on your government's site, they should have something somewhere relating to it.

 

[funxus]

Thanks, I checked out our parliaments homepage, and came across our copyright laws (and some descriptions on what it means).

Apparently, we're allowed to download movies and music and copy this for "private use", it is also allowed to copy purchased music and movies. In "private use" it is included that you can give it to friend(s) and family, but only on a small scale. We can't provide this for the public though.

Computer programs (games included, even for consoles), and digital compilations (such as an encyclopedia on CD/DVD) is not legal to copy though, not even for "private use".

I remember that there were to be some changes to this law in 2004 though, to fight piracy on the net, but I didn't find anything about it. I guess it all comes down to what is morally right then.