Copyright on "privacy policies" and/or "terms and conditions"?

Discussion in 'Legal Issues' started by fsbotopics, Aug 26, 2007.

  1. #1
    Just wondering if anyone knew about copywriting "terms and conditions" or a "privacy policy" on a website? Are there such things as a copyright law to these since it does not really relate to website content?
     
    fsbotopics, Aug 26, 2007 IP
  2. MTbiker

    MTbiker Well-Known Member

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    #2
    Yep, it's still content - if you write it, you own copyright.

    That reminds me of something that happened a few years ago where some big internet guru sold software for quickly creating those notices. Turns out he didn't have permission from the writer where he got the templates, and that writer ended up suing a ton of people who had used the software to create their website terms!

    I think it was Web Law Generator or something. Something to look into for 'informational purposes.'
     
    MTbiker, Aug 27, 2007 IP
  3. fsbotopics

    fsbotopics Peon

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    #3
    So, does that necessarily mean that I cannot paraprhase and rearrange someone else's Terms and Conditions, or does that just mean not to copy and paste verbatim? I found a site that I really like as far as privacy policy and terms and conditions..so I was just wondering what my limitations are?
     
    fsbotopics, Aug 27, 2007 IP
  4. MTbiker

    MTbiker Well-Known Member

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    #4
    Just don't copy the whole thing.

    With technical documents like that that need specific terminology, there will be certain similarities no matter how you write it.
     
    MTbiker, Aug 27, 2007 IP
  5. fsbotopics

    fsbotopics Peon

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    #5
    Ok great, I basically re-worded every single paragraph minus the Legal terminology..so hopefully that will be ok. Thanks for your input.
     
    fsbotopics, Aug 27, 2007 IP