T & Cs on website - prevent copying?

[CSHTech]

Does anyone know of a way to prevent copying of an image, pdf or block of text in a Wordpress website?

I'm uploading my T & Cs and although someone could manually copy write them, I'd like to make it difficult to just copy and paste them.

Thanks

 

[jacobc]

Hi,

I know you can have a bash at this using javascript however if someone is determined enough, they could do it. I had a quick google and this popped up - http://www.shoutmeloud.com/how-to-disable-right-click-wordpress.html

Never used it so no idea if it works.

Cheers,

Jacob

 

[CSHTech]

Thanks for the info. I had a search around and came up with this method using Box.net - I've tested it and it seems to work well.

http://chrislema.com/embedding-pdfs-on-wordpress/

 

[Nuno]

Whatever you do if someone wants it enough they'll grab it.
What is so special about your T&Cs that makes you want to spend time researching how to protect them?

 

[Alan]

As above, you can disable features such as right click using javascript, but that will only stop the least technically able (those who don't know how to turn off javascript or use wget)

Once you publish on the web you have published technically, so you can only rely on copyright laws to protect your content, not technology.

 

[CSHTech]

It's not that the T&Cs are special, just paid for.

If someone pays for T&Cs, then it's reasonable to make it at least difficult for someone to just copy and paste them.

Yes, if someone is that determined then good for them, but you're not doing yourself any favours by just making it too easy.

The Box method described above seems to work well so far.

 

[yellowlawn]

Have a read at this link. I was considering this a while ago. http://www.htmlgoodies.com/beyond/a...eloper-Class-How-to-Hide-your-Source-Code.htm

 

[Alan]

If someone pays for T&Cs, then it's reasonable to make it at least difficult for someone to just copy and paste them.

If you can see it you can copy it, I'm afraid, the rest is a waste of time. Use Copyscape to find plagarisms and send them legal notices.

 

[ethical PR]

I'm sure you are already doing this but do include a copyright insignia on each page and a line about not copying in whole, or in part etc

You could also watermark the content.

 

[PipeTen-Carl]

I'd be careful about how you display or protect terms and conditions. It is not unreasonable that someone would wish to change the font size, print, copy/paste or screenshot these. To limit or prevent this ability may impact how binding or enforceable your terms are (blind person with screen reader being immediate example that comes to mind).

 

[Nuno]

Copyright applies whether or not there is a symbol or wording. A lack of symbols detracts no weight from infringement proceedings.
Watermarking doesn't enforce anything and makes things slightly harder to read. No gain for some pain.

@PipeTen-Carl : very good point.

 

[ethical PR]

Agreed Nuno but using it may act as a reminder to those trying to rip off someone else work and discourage them from doing so.

Watermarking - again agreed but a balancing act between ease of reading and trying to minimise those ripping off your T&Cs.

 

[JElder]

In addition to PipeTen - yes a customer may need to copy or print the T&C for legitimate purposes, as that forms part of the contract at the time they purchase from you, and if you subsequently change them on your website the ones at the time still apply.

I'd use copyspcape or a simple automated search to monitor for copies, and email them if they appear. It's very unlikely to be worth spending much time or effort protecting T&C's - it's not as if they make you money.

 

[FirstClassVirtualOffice]

This prompted me to check our website and see if the T&C have been copied but they haven't. We paid to have these drawn up by a lawyer so wouldn't be happy if they were copied. But on checking another website for something else, we found those to be a blatant copy and paste job, and we wrote these ourselves from scratch. All they have done is edited it to remove our details (name, etc) and replaced with their own. We have sent them a message to remove them within 48 hours.

 

[Alan]

We have sent them a message to remove them within 48 hours.

If they don't respond, you can send a copyright infringement to their hosting company.Decent hosts (not run out of dubious countries) will assist and may take the site down if the content is not removed.

 

[Alan]

In addition to PipeTen - yes a customer may need to copy or print the T&C for legitimate purposes, as that forms part of the contract at the time they purchase from you, and if you subsequently change them on your website the ones at the time still apply.

For these reasons the easiest way to protect your T&C is not to publish them on your website, but to provide a copy with each quote.

Of course, this is more tricky if you sell online, but based on the OPs signature, this is may be an approach that works

(this what we have on our website, you are welcome to copy it "Each service will be subject to specific terms and conditions relevant to the particular services and the relevant terms will be provided at the time of proposal." )

 

[AlanGuidry]

T's and C's on Websites are all pretty much copied and adapted from other sites. It's very unusual to find a website T & C that is totally unique. I think if someone wants to use your T&Cs on their site there is little you can do to stop it. However, if you become aware that someone has done this you can issue a cease and desist order to the website owners hosting provider to have it removed. If you think that your content is likely to be used elsewhere try using copyscape.

 

[FirstClassVirtualOffice]

Well the people who copied our T&C from another website got in touch and apologised. Apparently we had said we didn't mind anyone taking a look to get ideas as to what to put in their own T&C....but we didn't give permission nor expect anyone to do a complete copy and paste of them. She has since asked if she can pay to use them.

 

[123Simples]

This prompted me to check our website and see if the T&C have been copied but they haven't. We paid to have these drawn up by a lawyer so wouldn't be happy if they were copied. But on checking another website for something else, we found those to be a blatant copy and paste job, and we wrote these ourselves from scratch. All they have done is edited it to remove our details (name, etc) and replaced with their own. We have sent them a message to remove them within 48 hours.

In our case another web design company have not ONLY copied over our terms and conditions, but have even left our business name in the sections too. Completely unreal - now I've got to send them an email and add to my working day!!