What are the copyright laws surrounding downloading foreign programmes?

Question

For example if i downloaded a fan subbed version of a japanese programme that wasn't available on British television. Would i be breaking the law even if there was no other way for me to see the programme?

Answer 1

It would probably be subject to the laws of the country the show comes from.

Answer 2

You will be liable for civil damages. However, if the show is not available on the UK, there could not possibly be any damage arising from that, therefore, happy downloading.

Answer 3

Yes, the WIPO Copyright Treaty has no provision for, "there was no other way."  Copyright infringement applies in almost every country on earth, if you make an illegal copy of something and use it for profit or to rob the owners of their profits.  If it's for your own personal use, and does not result in substantial harm to anyone, you may get away with it.