Legal Question in Intellectual Property in Oklahoma
Directory information and public domain
Is directory information (i.e. from a phone book or any other directory) considered public domain? Would utilizing that information on another website violate any laws? Specifically from government (ex: bar association) agencies? What are the limitations on its use, if any?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Directory information and public domain
Directory information is not subject to copyright. FEDERAL government publications are not subject to copyright, but states' are. A state bar directory may include copyrightable info, but the actual list of names and addresses (phone, fax, email) of members is not. However, be careful - much "directory info" is subject to liceses/contractual terms: you buy the book/open the disk, and you manifest agreement to license terms that restrict your use of the data.
Re: Directory information and public domain
I agree with Mr. Press. Before you invest time and money into a website, you should retain counsel to advise you on this and many other aspects of online business. This area of the law is my focus and over half of my clients are online businesses, new and old.