Legal Question in Technology Law in California

Copying Computer Programs

In the gaming world one of the most popular things that people do is organize LAN (local Area Network) Parties in which people bring computers or gaming systems to a designated site and connect to a LAN to participate in gaming over this network. As a newspaper journalist writing about some abnormalities at LAN parties, I was curious as to the legality of some of the technical things that happen at one. I've noticed that at some of the parties, some people copy computer games and programs to increase the number of participants in the gaming.

Clearly, these gamers are violating the copyright law. However, are they protected in any way by Fair Use or any other subtle loophole? Is there any loophole that might apply to them?


Asked on 3/22/04, 12:17 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

Re: Copying Computer Programs

Copying a computer game for the purpose of playing it, without permission from the copyright holder, is illegal copyright infringement. No fair use exception applies, even if the person making the pirated copy of the game software happens to be a journalist.

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Answered on 3/22/04, 12:42 am


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