Expert: Shannon Moore - 10/1/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi! Thank you so much for answering questions on AllExperts!

Since it is expensive to pay shipping to buy CDs from Germany, I have recently paid for and dowloaded about 30 songs (music files and PDFs of the music sheets). The company has an "online library" where I can view my downloads and download zip files. I presume I must be allowed to print the paid for PDFs of the music sheets.

Is it acceptable to burn CDs as back-ups of the MP3s? Is is acceptable to use these CDs on my car CD player, etc as well as on my computer?

Thanks!

ANSWER: Dear Sally,

I'd recommend checking the download site's policies. It'll likely be dependent on what rights the site has been given in terms of distributing the copyrighted material. For instance, some sites can only stream (e.g. Pandora) while some have the rights to download (e.g. iTunes).

Hope that helps!

Warmest regards,
Shannon Moore
http://www.tmexpress.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so much, Shannon -- so, if I understand correctly, it's ok to make CDs if the site offers downloads (rather than just streaming)?  

Answer
Dear Sally,

Yes, that should be okay. As long as the site states that you are free to make personal copies. I think it'd have to state more than just downloading as that does not imply recording per se. I'd recommend making sure that they are explicit about allowing their users to make recorded (hard copy) copies.

Hope that helps!

Warmest regards,
Shannon Moore
http://www.tmexpress.com