Can I copy the Terms and Conditions from another site?

[terrygbarnes]

I've found a site that offers a similar service to myself and their terms and conditions seem really good, easy to read and understand and most of all covers everything that you could possibly think of.

Now, obviously I wouldn't copy it word for word as there will be some services that I offer that they don't and visa versa but legally is it okay to take the T&C's from another site and make your own by rewording here and there and adding and taking away sections?

Thanks in advance for any help.

[Eagle]

As you say, as long as it's not copied word for word, I would see no harm in using it as a guide and 'inspiration' to setting out your own.

Be careful though that what you produce doesn't duplicate any (legal) mistakes! :)

[Antonia @limeone.com]

Also remember that the majority of lawyers also use tracking mechanisms with such documents to avoid copying. The reason most employ lawyers to write terms is they are insured then for the site's use, the only time they are important is when you need to rely on them so for the sake of saving a couple of hundred now you may regret it later.

[Crossguard]

The text of a set of terms and conditions will be someone's copyright; copying them, even with changes, may well be copyright infringement. The question is then whether somebody will come after you for copyright infringement or not.

[terrygbarnes]

Thanks for the advice. I think it's probably best to take elements out of a few similar competitor sites and then get a professional to take a look as well

[coultog]

If you're a member of the FSB, they can probably help with your T&Cs