Illegal vinyl records are turning up on supermarket shelves in the Netherlands, prompting action from anti-piracy group BREIN.
- The surge in vinyl’s popularity has created new opportunities for bootleggers.
- BREIN recently discovered unauthorized live concert recordings pressed onto vinyl and sold in a major supermarket chain.
- While private use of bootlegs may be permissible, resale is illegal without the rights holder’s consent.
- The case highlights the challenges of enforcing copyright in a resurgent physical media market.
Vinyl is back, and not just in record stores. The format’s booming popularity has inadvertently opened the door for illegal bootlegs to reach the mass market—even appearing alongside groceries. In June 2025, the Dutch anti-piracy organization BREIN discovered unauthorized vinyl pressings for sale in a well-known supermarket chain, signaling a new front in the fight against copyright infringement.
Bootleg Vinyls: Between Collector’s Item and Legal Trouble
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Bootlegs occupy a murky space between fandom and illegality, often catering to a desire for rare or unreleased music. These can range from concert recordings and studio outtakes to unofficial remixes. While some collectors prize these “gray area” recordings as cultural artifacts, the legal reality is far less ambiguous.
Even if a bootleg isn’t a straight copy of an official album, manufacturers and retailers typically violate copyright laws by reproducing and distributing recordings without permission. This is especially true when the operation is commercial in nature, regardless of whether the records are marketed as “fan editions” or “collector’s pressings.”
“Copyright restrictions allow the private use of bootlegs, e.g. listening to CDs that have already been purchased, but not resale, as this represents a protected act of use and is illegal without the consent of the author.”
There are generally four types of bootlegs: secretly recorded live concerts, unreleased studio outtakes, unauthorized copies of official albums, and mashups or new mixes. The most problematic are those that appear legitimate on the surface but are produced without any licensing agreements. The term “bootleg” itself originates from the Prohibition era, referencing the clandestine smuggling of alcohol—a surprisingly fitting analogy.
Illegal Live Radio Bootlegs Discovered: Vinyl in the Supermarket, License Nowhere to Be Found
BREIN’s investigation, detailed in a press release, uncovered vinyl records pressed from live concert recordings originally broadcast on radio stations. These records were being sold without the consent of the artists or rights holders, and were initially presented as legitimate releases. They feigned legality while representing a clear copyright violation.
The supermarket chain promptly removed the records from its shelves after being alerted by BREIN. The investigation then focused on the producer and a supplier, both of whom had previously been flagged by BREIN for similar activities.
Gray Bootlegs and Legal Defenses
The legal back-and-forth was swift. Lawyers representing the producers initially questioned BREIN’s authority, arguing that powers of attorney were invalid, U.S. rights holders lacked standing in Europe, and no copyright infringement had occurred. However, these arguments failed to hold up under scrutiny. Faced with the threat of legal action, the producer and supplier ultimately reached an agreement with BREIN.
Both parties agreed to cease production and distribution of records by the affected artists without explicit permission, and a monetary settlement was reached. BREIN demonstrated its ability to enforce copyright laws even in the realm of physical recordings, extending beyond specialized retailers to mainstream stores.
Vinyl Trend Meets Copyright Law
This case wasn’t about typical bootlegs—secretly recorded concerts—but rather live radio broadcasts pressed onto vinyl and marketed as collectibles. These records often exhibit lower production quality, basic packaging, and lack transparency regarding their origin or licensing. Buyers often assume they are purchasing a legitimate product, especially when it’s displayed on a supermarket shelf.
This practice directly harms artists by infringing on their rights and income. Illegal vinyl bootlegs compete with official releases without providing any revenue to the rights holders. Only the producers and retailers profiting from the vinyl boom benefit. BREIN emphasizes that as vinyl’s popularity grows, so too does the number of illegal pressings and the need for enforcement.
No Legal Vacuum Between the Cornflakes and the Cash Register
Vinyl is enjoying a renaissance, but not every colorful record is legally produced. Illegal vinyl bootlegs have moved from the underground to the mainstream. BREIN’s actions demonstrate that even supermarket shelves aren’t exempt from copyright law, and the vinyl boom isn’t above the law.
The line between collecting passion and copyright infringement isn’t found in the warm vinyl sound, but in the details of the licensing agreement. Attempting to profit from illegal live radio records or gray bootlegs could attract the attention of rights holders. Anyone involved in trading bootlegs—online, at swap meets, or in retail—risks legal warnings, substantial costs, and the confiscation of their goods.
