How to Use MP3s Legally

MP3s files downloaded from the Internet without the consent of the artist is usually not legal. From there, copyright law regarding MP3s becomes a little more tricky. To legally use MP3s you purchased legally or made from CDs you purchased legally, you'll need to know a few facts.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Know you may convert any music you legally purchased to the MP3 format. You can do this legally for your own personal use. You may also download MP3 music as long as you abide by the authorization given by the artist. In some cases you are free to copy and trade these MP3s, although in most cases you may only use them for your own personal use.
2. Make copies of MP3s from CDs, but be careful to obey copyright law. You can take MP3s from a CD and store them on a computer. You may burn a copy of the MP3s onto a CD for your own personal use. What you may not do is give or sell a copy of the MP3s or the original CD to anyone else.
3. Understand it's a violation of copyright law to make the MP3s available to others over the Internet. Even if you do not physically give someone a copy of your MP3s, you are liable for breaking copyright law if you make the MP3s available to others.
4. Obey the copyright law of the MP3s you legally download. MP3s you download legally come with restrictions as well. The restrictions will vary depending on the artist's agreement with the distributor, but usually specifies the number of copies of the MP3 you are allowed to make for your personal use. Investigate these restrictions before purchasing music from a distributor.