Is Dolphin illegal?

[eligames]

I own a Wii and the games I want to emulate!
Is it illegal if I use Dolphin?

[Kurausukun]

This has been asked before.

[AnyOldName3]

In pretty much every western country it's illegal to download games, even if you own them (whether or not people think this is a stupid law). However, it's usually fine to get games into a form Dolphin can use if you do it yourself. For example, using CleanRip to get ISO images of your own game disks onto a hard drive and then your computer is fine.

There's nothing illegal about Dolphin itself, as it was developed via reverse engineering and also by using publicly available resources. The only issues arise with the software you're running on it.

[Helios]

The emulation police is going to get you

[Shonumi]

(06-17-2017, 12:08 AM)Kurausukun Wrote: This has been asked before.

Actually, that thread asked if Dolphin was legal. The topic here is whether Dolphin is illegal. Big difference. You really can't compare the two.

(06-17-2017, 12:47 AM)Helios Wrote: The emulation police is going to get you

This is the correct answer.

Click Me: (Show Spoiler)

Now, putting all sarcasm aside, using Dolphin itself is not illegal in any country I know of. Downloading games in most countries is copyright infringement, even if you own a physical copy of the game. In a few countries, downloading games isn't copyright infringement for non-commercial purposes. For the purposes of the Dolphin Forums, don't download games. Most countries allow you to "rip" or "dump" your own copies.

[eligames]

Ok but is it illegal in Germany (Because I live in Germany)?

[TKSilver]

(06-17-2017, 12:01 AM)eligames Wrote: I own a Wii and the games I want to emulate!
Is it illegal if I use Dolphin?

Just for visiting this forum the FBI already know about you and are on their way to get you. *sarcasm*

No, seriously Sony Computer Entertainment America V Bleem! Set legal precident in favor of emulators being legal (in the United States) (not counting any copyrighted materials: bios/system files, games, ect.). It also set a precident allowing for screenshots from an emulator being protected under fair use to ahow the difference in look from the original system.


But, like all things please do not take legal advice from the internet if you are in a position to really worry then seek the advice of a local attorney who specializes in the field of law you are concerned about. (This would fall most likely under trademark/copyright law).

[Shonumi]

(06-17-2017, 01:52 AM)eligames Wrote: Ok but is it illegal in Germany (Because I live in Germany)?

Angela Merkel will personally come to your house and arrest you. Unless you start running now...

In all seriousness, I know of absolutely no one in any country that has been arrested, let alone convicted simply for using emulators. If anything, the authorities are more concerned with people who actually host ROMs and ISOs online. And again, I don't know of any country where using Dolphin itself is illegal. Maybe North Korea, but who can say?

[mimimi]

(06-17-2017, 01:52 AM)eligames Wrote: Ok but is it illegal in Germany (Because I live in Germany)?

Maybe read this article:
https://www.heise.de/newsticker/meldung/Spielkonsolenklassiker-in-4K-3488926.html