Menu Copyright

[BigFoot]

I have an issue I hope you can shed some light on. I have started a website that posts restaurant menus online (www.menuask.com). So far restaurant owners have been very receptive of the idea, but I am concerned with the legality of posting copyrighted documents online. I have researched copyright laws, and it seems I am treading in a gray area. I am posting copyrighted information on my website, but I am not directly profiting from the content. My website does not take away from the copyright holders business, in fact it promotes it. My main question is what damages could I be held liable for if a restaurant decided to sue me? I thank you for your time.

 

[seniorjudge]

Solution: Get permission.

 

[BigFoot]

Solution: Get permission.

If I don't get permission, for example someone posts a menu to my site without the restaurant owners permission. What kind of damages can I be held liable for?

Thanks

 

[seniorjudge]

If I don't get permission, for example someone posts a menu to my site without the restaurant owners permission. What kind of damages can I be held liable for?

Thanks

http://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap12.html

 

[BigFoot]

http://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap12.html

As far as I can tell the link you provided has nothing to do with my question. The link you provided covers the following.

1201. Circumvention of copyright protection systems
1202. Integrity of copyright management information

I am not circumventing copyright protection systems or interfering with copyright management information. The menus I post are an exact copy of the menu I receive from the restaurant. I do not alter copyright protection systems or copyright management information.

I appreciate you suggestions seniorjudge, but I am looking for the damages I can be held liable for. Please keep in mind that I do not sell the menu information and the posting of restaurant menus does not take away from a restaurants business.

 

[BigFoot]

Maybe it will help if I pose my question another way....

I own a restaurant and found out recently that my menu was copied and posted on a website without my permission. The menu was there for over a month. I own an upscale establishment and this website is not someplace I want to be associated with. Although the menu has been removed, I would like to know what remedies are available to me? What kind of damages can I collect on?

 

[seniorjudge]

...As far as I can tell the link you provided has nothing to do with my question....

Keep reading....