What you described still sounds pretty complicated. I don’t have an Ipod I play mp3s on my PocketPC-based pda.
So when I buy a CD and “rip” it into mp3s... is that breaking the law too?
Technically, yes, thanks to our dated copyright laws. However, due to the sheer volume of people doing this, and the technology that makes it possible, that law would be unenforceable and the government knows that. They would have to lock all of us up--whoever has a computer (that can burn CDs), an Ipod, mp3 player, Blackberry, IPhone, etc.
Downloading music and sending it to all your friends is tracked however, and easier to prove in a copyright violation case.
The copyright laws need to be changed to allow "fair use" of a product legally obtained, perhaps up to 5 formats to keep pace with today's technology.
Some music companies, who have a little more common sense and have no desire to make criminals of their customers, allow this in their licensing (read the fine print). While that won't help this lady in her suit, it would protect the rest of us and be a good selling point, too.
..yes according to the lawyer