Legal Issues Behind Soccer Scores

Discussion in 'Legal Issues' started by doof92, Mar 30, 2008.

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  1. #1
    Hello,
    I want to use the live soccer scores from the English soccer league for my personal use (send a SMS alert whenever a goal is scored). I've got the SMS part sorted (can use a free SMS gateway service) and can use the live text updates on the BBC website for the information.

    However, my question is, how legal is it? Is it allowed to simply use the scores from the BBC, or is it forbidden?
    Do you know any site which I can use which is legal?

    Thanks
     
    doof92, Mar 30, 2008 IP
  2. wisdomtool

    wisdomtool Moderator Staff

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    #2
    From what I know it is not, English League is big business and they control basically everything.
     
    wisdomtool, Mar 30, 2008 IP
  3. Dreads

    Dreads Well-Known Member

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    #3
    I dont believe its legal :(
    This goes the same for almost all the sports, they want $$$ and will do w/e it takes to protect their $$$
     
    Dreads, Mar 30, 2008 IP
  4. Mike S.

    Mike S. Well-Known Member

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    #4
    Hmm, if it were for business I could possibly see where the problem would be where you are using their information from a live feed. However, if it is for just personal use I don't see where the problem would really be because it would be too much of a hassle for them to mess with it. If you look at all the newspapers they all are able to publish the scores (I'm sure that every newspaper doesn't get permission to publish them) what's the difference on how you acquire the information (whether it be from their website or from actually watching the game or hearing about it). Then again, I am not in any law studies, so this can't be taken as any legal advice. If you think you might get into trouble with it and don't want to consult a lawyer don't mess with it. My question would be though -- How would they find out?
     
    Mike S., Mar 30, 2008 IP
  5. Marc Fraser

    Marc Fraser Peon

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    #5
    I'm sure it wouldn't be a problem, just as long as its for personal use. However, if you will be displaying results on a website, I suggest you contact the EFA and clarify where you stand.
     
    Marc Fraser, Mar 30, 2008 IP
  6. amanamission

    amanamission Notable Member

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    #6
    According to this Wiki, BBC feeds have been available for commercial use for nearly three years. I would double-check, of course, but it looks like you're good to go on using BBC feeds.
    And yes, the scores themselves are public domain, any git knows that, they are published by any news agency and little crap news rag anywhere people pay attention.
    So even if you couldn't use the BBC feed, there'd be no legal impediment to updating scores. The EFA has nothing to say about it.
     
    amanamission, Mar 30, 2008 IP