Am I allowed to use Yellowpages system?

[Steven]

I know places like Oddity Softwares and such sell database of restaurant locations, business directories and such, but I have a general question.

Let's say that I go to US yellowpage website, and manually copy the locations into my website for a niche category (Such as lawfirm), is it perfectly legal for me to do this?

Instead of purchasing data, I'm planning to concentrate on niche markets with specific yellowpages directory software on my website and just copy and paste locations and names from local yellowpages directory.

is this allowed?

Thanks in advanced. I just don't want to get into trouble if I can avoid it in the first place.

 

[Peter]

Essentially you would be copying copyrighted material if you rip it from places such as yellowpages.com.

 

[Steven]

Thank you for the input on this situation I appreciate the help.
Hmmm
It is not allowed for me to copy the name of the restaurant businesses and their addresses from sites like yellowpages.com?

What methods are there to start a local directory site like for example
Hawaii Restaurants and such then? ... or any city guide site with business listing/directory.

I'm only talking about business listings/directory.
...not its "city guide article" and other articles.

 

[DotUSDomains]

I use to run/own lots of those directories (yellowpages clones reall)

All in i had 65 at 1 point.

Made some money but changed to a free listing directory system and let companies register there business instead. (this way i get there email/name/phone number and there respect < Sometimes )

With those contacts i have now i can launch a new directory and have instant targetted traffic.

the problem with your yellow pages system is there are hundreads of the same.

all you need is to populate it with 30-50 business first to make it look like it has been busy.

Then contact those and let them know you have added there business free.

( i done it with my last site and got a free baseball hat and t shirt from the company

the only time i got something for free

 

[Domagon]

Facts themselves can't be copyrighted (speaking of the U.S.; some countries allow it), but the unique presentation of them can be; formulas / methods for collecting such facts, etc may also matter.

So in answer to your question - likely legally OK, if you're only going to copy basic factual information, such as business name and street address.

If you're going to copy the business descriptions (if there are any), and/or use the same list ordering (unless it's simply alphabetical already), then you could be in violation of copyright.

See this link - it's not the end all be all - law isn't that simple, but may give you some guidance / insight into the legal issues of copying facts.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feist_Publications_v._Rural_Telephone_Service

Ron

 

[Steven]

Thank you guys.
+ Rep added for you all.

I've talked to some people on the NP chat that it may not be legal?
lol.
I'll just buy the database for $1000 and save myself the trouble... but then again, that database seems a bit outdated and missing some info even though it's from a reliable source (ibegin.com)
I'd rather use yellowpages listing :S

 

[DotUSDomains]

Please dont pay $1000 for the database,

i'll put you in contact with someone who will either do it (scrape it) or get it for you.

For a lot less $$$

I'll have to ask her first but should not be a problem if she still does it.

 

[Peter]

Facts themselves can't be copyrighted (speaking of the U.S.; some countries allow it), but the unique presentation of them can be; formulas / methods for collecting such facts, etc may also matter.

So in answer to your question - likely legally OK, if you're only going to copy basic factual information, such as business name and street address.

If you're going to copy the business descriptions (if there are any), and/or use the same list ordering (unless it's simply alphabetical already), then you could be in violation of copyright.

See this link - it's not the end all be all - law isn't that simple, but may give you some guidance / insight into the legal issues of copying facts.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feist_Publications_v._Rural_Telephone_Service

Ron

Ok go and copy the content of an encyclopedia and put it on your site see how long you last.

 

[Steven]

I'm not sure if we can put taking contents from YP business directory (business name, number, address) and encyclopedia in the same category.

Either way, I'll just purchase the data and make my life easier from all these legal headaches.

Thanks all

 

[weblord]

do it by way of affiliate programs and you enter in as publisher
http://www.5staraffiliateprograms.com/city-search.html
http://affiliates.yellowpages.ca/guidelines.do
https://info.livedeal.com/affiliates/