Legal Question in Business Law in Pennsylvania

reporting prices, price compariso

I would like to create a resource for

friends/interested parties that enables

them to compare the prices of certain

items sold at local establishments. As

an oversimplified example, I may report

that the price of a 20 oz bottle of cola

is:

$1.25 at ABC Grocery

$1.29 at XYZ Mart

$1.50 at MNO Convenience Store

etc.

I plan to write a disclaimer saying that

this was the price on date xxxxx. No

guarantee this price is accurate as of

right now.

Am I at liberty to report such

information? Must I ask permission of

the local establishments? On one hand

it seems fair for me to report without

permission, but on the other hand

potentially legally hazardous.

Any advisement is greatly appreciated.


Asked on 10/19/06, 9:03 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Matthew Kelly Kelly Law

Re: reporting prices, price compariso

If yu are simply gathering public information and compiling it and disseminating it you should be fine.

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Answered on 10/20/06, 10:09 am
Roger Traversa Arjont Group (Law Office of Roger Traversa)

Re: reporting prices, price compariso

You ask if it would be okay for you to set up a site that offers comparison shopping for everyday items.

There is no privilege in this information and you can publish it freely. This service already exists in comparing gas prices. In fact there are competing sites that do gas prices which are reported by consumers and searchable by zip code or locality.

While you don't need to specifically disclaim each price you will need to disclaim the information as correct when reported. I think there is great utility for such a site and it obviously has commercial potential. I would suggest expanding the site to encompass more than just the information you collect personally.

If you would like to speak further about the business and legal implications about such a venture then please contact me.

Regards,

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Answered on 10/20/06, 11:41 am


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