Legal Aspects of Linking

The number of web-sites existing is astonishing, as they are created by virtually everyone having access to Internet. Web-site owners are looking for the ways to bring more links to their websites, so they often find no problem in linking to third parties. However, the intuitive conception of free links does not correspond completely to the list of the legally permissible actions, as difference exists between what is fair and what is legal. To name a few, unauthorized linking to third parties can contribute to copyright and trademark infringement, defamation, unfair competition, etc. This book examines the conditions for linking to be legal, highlighting the potential grounds of liability. The discussion of the latest case-law from various jurisdictions helps readers better understand the legal and ethical issues of simple, deep and direct linking.