I have a domain name that is similar to a popular dating site domain name (no trademarks or service marks involved).
My question: If I use their site as a general template for developing my site but I write different copy for my site, have a different landing page and links, and different graphics, can this dating site claim intellectual property infringement or copyright violations?
Obviously, I need to know these things before I invest in development. Thanks for your help. WF

Hi

Not a lot of people realise but the minute you make an expression eg in words, sound, pictures or even mime this is your automatic worldwide protected copyright (the issue is when you do not register it somewhere in a form that can be identified as a dated first use )people used to post copies of their copyright information to themselves and leave it unopened) (the good thing with the internet copyright is the minute you put it up there you have electronic proof of you first dated use so yes if you did do this you could get a ticking off at the very least as clearly their site design is their expression unless they have taken it from elsewhere.

What you need to do is fined open source, public domain or royalty free designs etc. Type in these words with whatever you want and it should guide you to copyright free site templates.


Hope that helps kind regards Theduke
hope that is of some help.