Oh, I found something in the Copyright act that seems
interesting enough.
Filming or recording broadcasts or programmes for private and
domestic use
114. (1) The copyright in a television broadcast or a cable
programme, or in a literary, artistic, dramatic or musical work or
a cinematograph film included in the broadcast or programme,
insofar as it consists of visual images, is not infringed by the
making of a cinematograph film of the broadcast or the cable
programme for the private and domestic use of the person by whom
the cinematograph film is made.
(2) The copyright in a sound broadcast, a television broadcast or a
cable programme, or in a literary, dramatic or musical work, a
sound recording or a cinematograph film included in the broadcast
or programme, insofar as it consists of sounds, is not infringed by
the making of a sound recording of the broadcast or the cable
programme for the private and domestic use of the person by whom
the sound recording is made.
(3) For the purposes of this section, a cinematograph film or a
sound recording shall be deemed to be made otherwise than for the
private and domestic use of the person by whom it is made if it is
made for the purpose of
(a) the sale or letting for hire of the film or the sound
recording, as the case may be;
(b) broadcasting the film or recording or including it in a cable
programme; or
(c) causing the film or recording to be seen or heard in
public.
In Singapore, you can record a broadcast or program for private
consumption. And it seems that as long as we don't profit from it
commercially.
In Japan, where the copyright owners are, they can record a
broadcast and distribute as long as its not for profit.
What we have on the internet are essentially hi-quality recordings
of these broadcast from Japan. They are subbed over by kind souls
for ppl like us OUTSIDE Japan to watch and enjoy.
I think the last part is interesting.
(c) causing the film or recording to be seen or heard in
public.
The internet domain is considered public. But did any of these
ppl who were sent letters directly CAUSE its circulation?
Finally, I guess the people who received the letters for 80k
claims, should really check in with the lawyers and if necessary,
go to court. I don't believe they should let ODEX just claim
statutory damages just like that.
If really so good to earn, I also go and obtain a few licences for
anime to sub n distribute. Sales no good, I go sue people. No need
to work loh.
