[WSG] Copyright Query
Hi all, Just wondering what the general consensus is on the following website copyright issue. I have a client who has paid for a website (and more recently a major redesign of the same site). We have just discovered that he has been giving the code to his international distributors, and the exact same XHTML/CSS and, in 90% of cases, content and images, have been reproduced (ie only minor modifications to the shop component and contact details). At the time of his signing our website contract, it was stated that the website was for his direct use only. I'd be interested to know if anyone has had this situation occur, and if so what you have done (if anything) about it. I have also noticed that our design and development credits have been removed on these duplicate sites. Thanks Sarah -- XERT Communications email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] mobile: 0438 017 416 http://www.xert.com.au/ web development : digital imaging : dvd production *** List Guidelines: http://webstandardsgroup.org/mail/guidelines.cfm Unsubscribe: http://webstandardsgroup.org/join/unsubscribe.cfm Help: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ***
Re: [WSG] Copyright Query
IANAL but... Generally if someone commissions a work, or pays you to develop a website, its theirs to do with what they want (eg, reuse a web image in print advertising). However a contracts terms can change this. What were the specific written terms or agreements? I assume the contract did not cover this, and that you're basing your comments on a verbal agreement? Is there any possibility of misunderstanding of the verbal agreement? Was the specific scenario of distributors mentioned? How did you both describe the agreement? If it's a blatant misuse and the verbal agreement was clear I would contact a lawyer. If not, I'd chalk it up to experience and write better contracts next time. More to the point however, this isn't really web standards related. You might get better advice elsewhere ;) .Matthew Cruickshank http://docvert.org Convert MSWord to OpenDocument and clean HTML *** List Guidelines: http://webstandardsgroup.org/mail/guidelines.cfm Unsubscribe: http://webstandardsgroup.org/join/unsubscribe.cfm Help: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ***
Re: [WSG] Copyright Query
On Wed, 2007-04-04 at 15:36 +1200, Matthew Cruickshank wrote: Generally if someone commissions a work, or pays you to develop a website, its theirs to do with what they want (eg, reuse a web image in print advertising). Actually no, it's the opposite: rights remain with the creator unless it was created as work for hire or there is a copyright assignment contract. If the original poster wants more info I'd be happy to go into it in detail, but not on this list because... More to the point however, this isn't really web standards related. You might get better advice elsewhere ;) ... Matthew's right, this isn't really on-topic for this list so perhaps discussion should be moved elsewhere. Such as into the OP's lawyer's office ;-) Cheers :-) -- Jonathan Oxer Ph +61 3 9723 9399 How To Build A Website And Stay Sane: www.stay-sane.com *** List Guidelines: http://webstandardsgroup.org/mail/guidelines.cfm Unsubscribe: http://webstandardsgroup.org/join/unsubscribe.cfm Help: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ***
Re: [WSG] Copyright Query
More to the point however, this isn't really web standards related. My apologies to everyone :( I must admit that (on this occasion) I didn't think before posting. Many thanks, however, for replies on and off list. If there is any further feedback please email me privately. Sarah -- XERT Communications email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] mobile: 0438 017 416 http://www.xert.com.au/ web development : digital imaging : dvd production *** List Guidelines: http://webstandardsgroup.org/mail/guidelines.cfm Unsubscribe: http://webstandardsgroup.org/join/unsubscribe.cfm Help: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ***