An illegal copy is a copy of something that is copyrighted.
An illegal copy can be a copy or reproduction and or distribution of copyrighted books, software, music, photos, movies, videos etc.
Essentially an illegal copy is something you make a copy of that you don't own the rights too whether or not you sell or try to sell the copyrighted material or share it.
It's also called piracy and is considered a type of copyright infringement.
Bootleg is another form of copyright infringement.
The key element for an illegal copy is that the copy is made without getting the creators permission or consent.
And creating or distributing illegal copies violates copyright laws and can also lead to legal consequences including fines.
Bootleg records are illegal.
The reason bootleg records are illegal is because the bootleg records steal the work of the artist as well as the record label without their permission.
Bootleg records and recordings also include unauthorized recordings of unreleased studio material, television broadcasts, radio and recordings of concerts.
Bootleg records also cheat the artist out of the money they would've earned or made through the sale of the record or recordings.
Making and selling bootleg records and recordings can get you into legal trouble and legal action can be taken against anyone that has made or sold the bootleg recording.
The person that sold or made the bootleg record or recording may also face large fines.
Bootleg records and recordings are illegal under the federal law of (17 USC 1101).
And state laws also prohibit bootleg records and recordings as well.
Even if you download a movie on your computer and then sell it to a friend, it's a bootleg film.
Bootleg is good for describing something that's stolen, smuggled, or pirated.