[ben_w]

I recall there was a court case about that. A copy of a program in system memory was deemed non-infringement because it was necessary for use of the software, however (certain classes of) modified copies were unlawful. I believe this is the precedent used to take down cheating apps for (e.g.) World of Warcraft.

[xbkingx]

From what I understand, it usually comes down to whether copy protection mechanisms were circumvented in order to make the copy and whether the copy was transmitted to a nonlicense holder.

So, making an image of a DVD isn't illegal, but sending that image to someone that doesn't own a license is. But, ripping that disk to mp4 is illegal if any form of protection is in place, no matter how weak.

Of course, ripping to mp4 and then sending it to someone is double illegal, which makes it legal. I should mention now that IANAL.