[mythtv-users] Zap2it Labs Shutting Down?

[Gabe Rubin]

On 6/20/07, Jay R. Ashworth <jra at baylink.com> wrote:
> On Wed, Jun 20, 2007 at 10:05:44AM -0700, Gabe Rubin wrote:
> > Yes, but they can make contractual restrictions through terms of
> > service that prohibit screen scraping.  While it is not a technical
> > means to prevent screen scraping, although I have no doubt they would
> > constantly change the system to frustrate screen scrapers, creating an
> > "arms war" of who can respond quicker, this is a legal means that TMS
> > has at its disposal.
>
> They can *say* it, but it's not enforceable, either practically, or --
> I think, and IANAL -- legally.  If you make it publically available,
> it's *public*.

They can make it terms of the service for viewing their web page or
using their service, and a violation would violate those terms, and be
breach of contract, trespass to chattels, and potentially other causes
of actions.  Look up the eBay v. Bidder's Edge case, which did
essentially this.  Rigistrar.com v. Verio also is similar, and there
are some other cases on this same factual setting that I am
forgetting.