Copying Terms of conditions from other site

Discussion in 'Legal Issues' started by Theozard, Nov 11, 2006.

  1. #1
    The terms of their company is almost just like mine.Is it ok if i modify it and use it as my terms also.I think this should be obviuosly legal.Just confirming
     
    Theozard, Nov 11, 2006 IP
  2. Dave Zan

    Dave Zan Well-Known Member

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    #2
    You mean it's obviously not illegal to you?
     
    Dave Zan, Nov 11, 2006 IP
  3. Kakaisbrilliant

    Kakaisbrilliant Peon

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    #3
    Just like everything like that if you just change a few words I think you would still have to source it to keep it legal.

    So just write your own, it doesn't take that long...
     
    Kakaisbrilliant, Nov 11, 2006 IP
  4. Daniel Tan

    Daniel Tan Peon

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    #4
    Refer to a few copies of the same nature. If you are in the same industry as theirs, the terms of service usually do not differ much, and legal terms and jargons are always those.

    Make a best of the breed from a few reference.
     
    Daniel Tan, Nov 11, 2006 IP
  5. Theozard

    Theozard Active Member

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    #5
    Oh.I think ill just write my own thing.Really doesnt take that much time after all.I would have done so many things if it wasnt for you guys :)
     
    Theozard, Nov 11, 2006 IP
  6. slipxaway

    slipxaway Active Member

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    #6
    I think in most cases, if you copy a Terms of Services you're fairly safe. I'm not saying it's legal, because it is copyright infringment, but unless the company specifically makes money from selling Terms of Services to other companies, they really don't have any losses from it. And as long as you don't resell it, you're really not gaining anything from it. So in the end, no damages could be awarded. The most that will happen is they would ask you to remove it.

    Like I said, it's not a good practice, especially since there are a lot of free ones to be found on the Net where the author gives permission to use it. Also, it's important to consider the legal aspects defined within the TOS, because by taking a shortcut now, you could be placing yourself in a world of legal hurt later when you are bound to terms you didn't fully understand or that were not appropriate to your specific site.
     
    slipxaway, Nov 11, 2006 IP
  7. Hon Daddy Dad

    Hon Daddy Dad Peon

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    #7
    Terms of Service are actually a contract formed between the provider of the information and the user of the information once the user agrees.

    Most contracts and many terms of service now days are almost completely generated from legal forms which are commonly available.
     
    Hon Daddy Dad, Nov 11, 2006 IP