Bootleg recordings are unauthorised recordings of concerts or live performances. Sellers are not permitted to list bootleg recordings on eBay. Violations of this policy may result in a range of actions, including:
Violations of this policy may result in a range of actions, including:
Limits placed on account privileges
Loss of PowerSeller status
Brian purchased a bootleg copy of Bob Dylan’s 1979 concert in Philadelphia from a street vendor the last time he was in New York City. Brian is not permitted to sell this bootleg on eBay. Doing so is a violation of eBay policy and of the law.
When cleaning out her closet, Grace found several bootleg recordings her mother had made while travelling around the world with the Grateful Dead. Grace is not permitted to sell these bootleg recordings on eBay. Doing so is against eBay policy and violates the rights of the copyright owner.
Bands, performers, writers and publishers usually own the copyright to live performances, and thus have the right to determine when and how performances can be reproduced. Unless a copyright owner has authorised the reproduction of a concert or performance, it is considered an unauthorised or “bootleg” copy. Selling unauthorised copies is both against the law and against eBay policy.
Why does eBay have this policy?
eBay urges its sellers and buyers to comply with all governmental laws and regulations. Since the sale of unauthorised recordings is prohibited by law, regulated, or may cause harm to eBay or its members, sellers may not list these items on eBay. This policy helps protect buyers from purchasing illegal merchandise and helps protect intellectual property rights.