NCJ Number
145949
Journal
San Diego Justice Journal Volume: 1 Issue: 1 Dated: (Winter 1993) Pages: 65-95
Date Published
1993
Length
31 pages
Annotation
This paper explores the counterfeiting and "bootlegging" of music recordings and their effect on record collecting.
Abstract
"Bootlegs" are illegally manufactured music recordings that usually contain material that has not previously appeared in legitimate form. They aim at fans of a particular artist or the specialized collectors' market rather than the public. Counterfeits, on the other hand, may be aimed at either the public or the collector, depending on the record in question. The author first provides an overview of the business of collecting recorded music and explores why "bootlegs" and counterfeit recordings are manufactured for fans and collectors. He also discusses the circumstances under which illegal recordings come to the attention of police and why most of these recordings are ignored by both the recording industry and law enforcement agencies. The study methods used in this paper include participant observation and legal research. The author has been a record collector for over 30 years and has been involved in the buying and selling of collectible records since the 1970's. The discussion focuses on issues related to "bootlegs" and counterfeits aimed at the secondary market. This market consists of collectors and fans who wish to purchase a particular recording that was either never legally released or is no longer being produced by a legitimate record company. Given the lack of desire and ability of law enforcement to counter this "disorganized" crime, this criminal enterprise should persist for years to come. 165 footnotes