Copying CDs and DVDs is made illegal after High Court ruling

Judge makes decision based on musicians who face losses as a result of copyright infringement

Copying CDs or DVDs has been ruled illegal again.

The High Court has overturned a law introduced by the Government in October 2014 which made it legal to transfer music into your home library, be it on an MP3, computer or other devices.

It comes after a legal challenge from Basca, the Musicians’ Union, and industry representatives UK Music, reports BBC Newsbeat.

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It means consumers cannot now technically copy a CD they own and use one version in the car and another at home.

The law brought in last October made it legal to make back-ups for personal use but it always remained an offence to share those copies with friends or family or to sell on that music or data.

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But a judge has ruled that the government was wrong legally when it decided not to introduce a compensation scheme for songwriters, musicians and other rights holders who face losses as a result of their copyright being infringed.

UK Music estimated the new regulations, without a compensation scheme, would result in loss of revenues for rights owners in the creative sector of £58 million a year.

Jo Dipple, CEO of the organisation, said: “Last month, the High Court agreed with us that the government acted unlawfully when it introduced an exception to copyright for private copying without fair compensation.

“We therefore welcome the court’s decision today to quash the existing regulations.

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“It is vitally important that fairness for songwriters, composers and performers is written into the law. My members’ music defines this country. It is only right that government gives us the standard of legislation our music deserves.”

It’s unclear how the law will be enforced.

Court action was rare under previous laws which made it illegal and the industry often turned a blind eye to people copying data for personal use.

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