Expert: Scottgem - 4/2/2005

Question
I love to surf the web for topics that interest me.  I have
found that I want to copy web pages, download them into
folders to keep the information for future viewing.  Some
post copyright status that information can not be copied
without permission.  Does this mean it is illegal to keep a
copy of what is on web pages for my own personal viewing?

Jim

Answer
This is a gray area. Copyright law provides a fair use exception. Included in fair use is making copies for personal use only. So You would not be violating the copyright in that case. If you tried to use the info elswhere or distribute copies, that would go beyond fair use.

HTH
Scott<>