Hi, I have come across an issue about the copyright regarding web design and content of the website. What if some one buy a drop domain and use its content which were the previous owner using. It is consider as an illegal attempt? I would appreciate your suggestion Thanks Priya
Yes, of course it is illegal. Buying a dropped domain gives you absolutely no right to use the content or web design without express permission from the owner. If you can't find the owner and get permission, then you can't use it.
What If the previous owner find that current owner is using his design or content and ask the current owner to down the website immediately and he does. Can the previous owner still file a case against the current owner and what if the previous owner is from US and current owner is from India.
By complying immediately, the current owner has certainly lessened the damages that the old owner may suffer from the infringement, but that does not mean that the old owner cannot prove damages suffered during the period that the infringement was going on. Yes, though he may have to sue in India if he cannot establish jurisdiction in a U.S. court over the current owner.
Buddy, its hard for someone in U.S to sue an Indian for some illegal act untill its a scam over $3k usd or tos violation of govt. Organisations, or fraud someone untill or unless he have much patience to carry out hasty lengthy lawsuits or enough money.
I would just ask the previous owner, or just come up with something better. The sky is the limit online, you can probably dvelop something better than a site that was obviously unsuccessful.
Hi All, Thanks for your suggestion but one issue is still not clear in my mind. Is it realistic that someone from US can sue a guy in India just for using his/her design and content. How much it would cost to person in US and how much compensation amount can he/she demand. Waiting for your priceless views Thanks Priya
Realistically, unless it was a blatant copyright infringement on a very well known brand, or you are infringing on someone with the resources and money to make your life hell...not many American small business people will sue someone in India. We already know the legal system there does not exactly comply with western infringement statutes, and your authorities still operate on bribes, so you will probably get away with it. But, that is also the very same reason that many American webmasters still will not do business with anyone in India because there is no security, no back up, and no recourse if you get screwed over. I would still opt to make something that was my own, rather than copy someone else's. You could probably do the right thing and contact the previous owner and just ask them.
Yup its illegal as you are only owner of the Domain not the content. Ask for permission or better partner with the owner of the content.
I would say its illegal, but it might depend on whether or not the previous owner put a copywrite statement on the page. Does anyone know if that would make a difference?
It doesn't make a difference. Things are still protected under copyright law even if they don't say so explicitly.