Is This Legal Or No?

Discussion in 'Legal Issues' started by AndyLaw, Jan 28, 2013.

  1. #1
    Hi friends,

    I got an email from my competitor that he requests me to remove information about his site from my review page. I have a small review section on my website where I review my competitor websites and this way, get some traffic from google.

    For example:

    My website is offering free hosting and my competitor company name is "somecompany2" What I do it, write a review about "somecompany2" on my page and when google index this, I stand on the 2nd position in google if you type in "somecompany2". This way people comes to my page and signs up with my free hosting company instead of "somecompany2".

    The question is, is there anything wrong by doing this? Yes, I do steal traffic, but this is SEO of some kind I believe?
     
    AndyLaw, Jan 28, 2013 IP
  2. supermarioz5

    supermarioz5 Peon

    Messages:
    9
    Likes Received:
    0
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    1
    #2
    I don't believe this is illegal in anyway. I don't think he has any case here.
     
    supermarioz5, Jan 28, 2013 IP
  3. AndyLaw

    AndyLaw Member

    Messages:
    179
    Likes Received:
    1
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    28
    #3
    Yes, I believe he don't have anything here too,but still. I was wondering if he can do any harm here..
     
    AndyLaw, Jan 28, 2013 IP
  4. Snat

    Snat Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    86
    Likes Received:
    7
    Best Answers:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    130
    #4
    As long as the review itself is honest, it isn't illegal to as far as I can tell. If the review isn't honest simply so you get people to sign up for you that would be defamation which is illegal in most places.
     
    Snat, Jan 28, 2013 IP
  5. Irop Paze

    Irop Paze Active Member

    Messages:
    147
    Likes Received:
    12
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    68
    #5
    Simply ask him to supply you with a court order to remove it. IMHO It's only illegal if it's slanderous and you are performing unfair marketing practices. FYI, I would replace the word "steal" with something less criminal sounding like with "earn".
     
    Irop Paze, Jan 28, 2013 IP
  6. Postedhere

    Postedhere Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    1,858
    Likes Received:
    11
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    100
    #6
    there is nothing wrong with that. You can also just make a post, not necessarily a review and then somehow mention your competitor's site.If you go for a review, then just make an honest review of the site/company. Besides, reviews per se is not illegal, unless you intend to besmirched the reputation of your competitor by telling lies.
     
    Postedhere, Jan 28, 2013 IP
  7. xanth

    xanth Active Member

    Messages:
    328
    Likes Received:
    13
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    60
    #7
    In the manner you describe, there is nothing your competitor can do about your review of his service on your own site. Other traffic attracting methods may be unlawful such as wrongfully using someone else's trademark. Has your competitor even bothered to provide a legal reason why he believes you must take down your information?
     
    xanth, Jan 28, 2013 IP
  8. Swift Tony

    Swift Tony Greenhorn

    Messages:
    69
    Likes Received:
    2
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    18
    #8
    It's not illegal, its a widely used tactic.. as long as it is at least partially real review (and not a slander) you will be fine. However, make sure that you are not covering them with dirt in that review with no reason.
     
    Swift Tony, Jan 28, 2013 IP
  9. browntwn

    browntwn Illustrious Member

    Messages:
    8,347
    Likes Received:
    848
    Best Answers:
    7
    Trophy Points:
    435
    #9
    It depends entirely on what it is you write in the "review".
     
    browntwn, Jan 28, 2013 IP
  10. CharlieL

    CharlieL Active Member

    Messages:
    69
    Likes Received:
    3
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    #10
    It's not illegal no, but it is...sneaky.
     
    CharlieL, Jan 28, 2013 IP
  11. Mia

    Mia R.I.P. STEVE JOBS

    Messages:
    23,694
    Likes Received:
    1,167
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    440
    #11
    Unethical might be a better word for it.
     
    Mia, Jan 28, 2013 IP
  12. xanth

    xanth Active Member

    Messages:
    328
    Likes Received:
    13
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    60
    #12
    Perhaps... but I might not go as far as saying unethical. By the nature of having a competitor review on your site you may get a few hits. But I'd hardly say that one review would constitute a campaign that would be equated with being unethical. Call it a desirable byproduct until I've seen more.
     
    xanth, Jan 28, 2013 IP
  13. AndyLaw

    AndyLaw Member

    Messages:
    179
    Likes Received:
    1
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    28
    #13
    Thanks for your replies. I got what I was looking for. Also, i know it is sneaky, but I have found a way which works for me to get some extra traffic, so why not..
     
    AndyLaw, Jan 28, 2013 IP
  14. Irop Paze

    Irop Paze Active Member

    Messages:
    147
    Likes Received:
    12
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    68
    #14
    Shady bidness, heck why not :)
     
    Irop Paze, Jan 28, 2013 IP
  15. eyedream

    eyedream Member

    Messages:
    31
    Likes Received:
    1
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    43
    #15
    It's not illegal bud :)
     
    eyedream, Jan 28, 2013 IP
  16. sufyyy

    sufyyy Greenhorn

    Messages:
    31
    Likes Received:
    0
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    8
    #16
    It's not illegal for sure.
     
    sufyyy, Jan 29, 2013 IP
  17. Mia

    Mia R.I.P. STEVE JOBS

    Messages:
    23,694
    Likes Received:
    1,167
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    440
    #17
    Lots of lawyers here on DP. ;)
     
    Mia, Jan 29, 2013 IP
    xanth likes this.
  18. xanth

    xanth Active Member

    Messages:
    328
    Likes Received:
    13
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    60
    #18
    Had that feeling. ;) LOL....
     
    xanth, Jan 29, 2013 IP
  19. jimbo2779

    jimbo2779 Active Member

    Messages:
    105
    Likes Received:
    3
    Best Answers:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    80
    #19
    Unless you are stating falsehoods you should be fine. He can request you remove any copyrighted materials from your website though which can extend to logos and sometimes trading names so dont be too quick to tell him to take a leap.

    Look into his request and ensure that none of his claims relate to a break in any law, if you are not slandering without proof and you are not breaking any copyright then leave it be.
     
    jimbo2779, Jan 31, 2013 IP
  20. sravi3661

    sravi3661 Member

    Messages:
    156
    Likes Received:
    0
    Best Answers:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    26
    #20
    not legal..its bad.
     
    sravi3661, Jan 31, 2013 IP