Bootleg DVDs on eBay (2024)

FAQs

Can I sell bootleg DVD on eBay? ›

We don't allow counterfeit items or unauthorized copies to be listed on eBay. Items sold using a brand name or a brand logo must be original and made by the brand or manufactured on their behalf. Software, music, movies and other media must be original and not unauthorized copies.

eBay and FACT want to remind eBay sellers that listing pirated DVDs is illegal and ensure that buyers know they are bidding on legitimate products from reputable sellers. FACT works closely with law enforcement agencies and eBay to combat the growth of piracy on the Internet.

"Buying a single counterfeit product for individual use is not illegal in the US." So, buying a bootleg from the strange man on the corner isn't illegal, but if you buy an extra one for your friend, even if you don't sell it to them, now you're 'distributing'.

There are millions of listings and if you think eBay reads every listing and knows they're counterfeit by looking at a listing you're wrong. They depend on buyers making returns for being bootlegs. They don't take reports from other members because they could be trying to take the competition down with false claims.

Products offered for sale on Amazon must be authentic. The sale of counterfeit products is strictly prohibited.

Piracy is the illegal copying and selling of DVDs and CDs. Money generated by piracy is used by criminal gangs to fund the sale of drugs and guns. If you buy an illegal copy, the quality of the recording may be poor.

Some bootlegs come in standard DVD cases, which can be easily re-used, or bundled together and used as office supplies. Check with your local city recycling program -- many will take CDs and DVDs and their cases, though some areas may require you to separate the paper and the plastic.

Pirates typically sell their wares at prices substantially discounted from street prices; the substantial price discounts induce some people to purchase the product who would not otherwise do so. In addition, some unauthorized copies are produced for noncommercial reasons (e.g., making a copy for a friend).

In fact, piracy is a federal crime. These felony charges can land you in prison for a year or longer, depending upon the circ*mstances of your individual case. Although at first glance, piracy might seem like a victimless crime, it's still considered theft.

eBay is a platform that allows third-party sellers to sell products, and as such, the quality and authenticity of the products can vary. While the vast majority of sellers on eBay are reputable and sell genuine products, there may be some who sell counterfeit or fake products.

Can you get sued for selling fakes on eBay? ›

eBay policy prohibits the sale of counterfeit items. If you infringe on a trademark and sell items that bear a symbol or logo without permission, you could also find yourself facing a civil lawsuit from the trademark owner.

We're here to help you if you believe an item to be counterfeit. We invest significant resources into creating a safer marketplace for our users. However, if you believe that the item you purchased is counterfeit, or doesn't match its listing description you may be covered by eBay Money Back Guarantee .

We invest significant resources into creating a safer marketplace for our users. However, if you believe that the item you purchased is counterfeit, or doesn't match its listing description you may be covered by eBay Money Back Guarantee .

Bootlegs have been prohibited by federal law (17 USC 1101) since the introduction of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act (URAA, PL 103-465) in 1994, as well as by state law. The federal bootleg statute does not pre-empt state laws, which also apply both prior to and since the passage of the federal bootleg statute.

The definition of “bootleg” means it is illegal.