It doesn't matter if you put 'for promotional use only', or if you give the music away for free, or anything else. If you use someone elses works without written consent or the appropriate license to do so, you are subject to legal action. There is no exceptions.
Technically even if you burn 10 copies, thats enough to wind up in court. 1 copy is enough. But to comment on what 50cal said ("only 200 copies dont trip"), it's true that when you're dealing with tiny quantities like that, the risk is far less. The reason being that it would cost more in court & lawyer fees to sue you then they could ever get back by winning a judgment. However, people have been sued over crumbs and low quantities. I think you mentioned Nintendo. Nintendo isn't a record label and they don't fuck around, especially if you're messing with their top franchises.
Like anything else, there's a risk involved and you have to decide for yourself if it's worth the risk. The only way to eliminate that risk is with the proper paperwork. If it were me in your shoes, I'd probably take the risk since you're completely off the radar (as far as I know). Don't take that as my advice to you however!
Technically even if you burn 10 copies, thats enough to wind up in court. 1 copy is enough. But to comment on what 50cal said ("only 200 copies dont trip"), it's true that when you're dealing with tiny quantities like that, the risk is far less. The reason being that it would cost more in court & lawyer fees to sue you then they could ever get back by winning a judgment. However, people have been sued over crumbs and low quantities. I think you mentioned Nintendo. Nintendo isn't a record label and they don't fuck around, especially if you're messing with their top franchises.
Like anything else, there's a risk involved and you have to decide for yourself if it's worth the risk. The only way to eliminate that risk is with the proper paperwork. If it were me in your shoes, I'd probably take the risk since you're completely off the radar (as far as I know). Don't take that as my advice to you however!
