Method and apparatus for storing and retrieving copy-protected data within storage devices such as, for example, disc drives. Data that is to be copy protected is written on the storage device. A first data list, such as a manufacturer's storage device defect list, is copied and used to make a second data list. Then, the first data list is modified such that the area where the copy protected data is stored is identified as defective. Unless a request to read the copy protected data is received, the first data list is used and the copy protected data area is considered defective. However, if a request to read the copy protected data is received, the second data list is used and the copy protected data is read from its storage location.