Bibliography

Is it illegal to copy full books online?

I was just wondering because I'm thinking about making an online book club, and I would need to copy the books online.

Public Comments

1. It's a flagrant violation of the author and publisher's copyright protections, and it will get you sued in a heartbeat.
2. No, it isn't.
3. Unless you have written permission from the publisher, yes, it is illegal to electronically copy and distribute a book. Quoting certain passages from a book for educational or reviewing purposes is generally accepted but varies from author to author.
4. Of course it is. Just as it would be illegal for you to photocopy a dozen copies of a book for a real book club. Why would you think it is suddenly OK, if it is done online? If you're going to have an online book club, you just have everyone buy or borrow (as in the library not as in a euphemism for steal) the same book.
5. Unless you receive permission from the publisher to copy these books online, then it definitely is illegal. You would be infringing on copyrights. If you want to make an online book club, use novels that have expired copyrights, as they are public domain. You wouldn't need to copy them online yourself, either, as they can already be found at Project Gutenberg and similar sites.
6. Unless the author has been dead for at least fifty years then it's illegal.
7. Yes "In a civil suit, an infringer may be liable for a copyright owner's actual damages plus any profits made from the infringement. Alternatively, the copyright owner may avoid proving actual damage by electing a statutory damage recovery of up to $30,000 or, where the court determines that the infringement occurred willfully, up to $150,000. The actual amount will be based upon what the court in its discretion considers just. (17 U.S.C. 504) Violation of copyright law is also considered a federal crime when done willfully with an intent to profit. Criminal penalties include up to ten years imprisonment depending on the nature of the violation. (No Electronic Theft Act, 18 U.S.C. 2319) " "All told, Kinko's paid almost $2 million in damages, fees and other costs..."