Auction Categories

copying ebay

[steakster]

I'd like to develop an 'Ebay' type auction site for my local community. Is it legal to copy Ebay's listings for certain categories and sub-categories breakdown? Thanks!

[steakster]

bump. I'd really like to know. Thanks!

[longen]

Members might be reluctant to comment since it a question for lawyers - but if you're planning to copy the listings Content it doesn't sound all that legit.

[mack]

If I where you I would start by making my own category structure. That way the potential issue is removed before it can become a problem.

Another reason I would create my own is because ebay has thousands of cats and subcats. If youre just starting the site, then you will have very few listings at the start, and this will make the site look empty. Start with the importaint top level categories and grow your subcategories as the site grows.

Regarding the listings, I dont see any point in copying them, because the user wont be registered at your site, so nobody will be able to bid.

Mack.

[steakster]

Thanks! Is there a legal forum anywhere to ask this question?

Clarification: I'm only concerned about duplicating the category and subcategory header names. For example: 'Electronics' would be the Category. 'Receivers' would be the Sub-Category. There is absolutely no intention of copying the listings themselves. It seems that Ebay has created a de facto standard for certain categories - such as for Collectibles. Potential users are saying that it would be far simpler for them to navigate my future site by using Ebay's existing nomenclature.

[Mr Bo Jangles]

I think you can be (or be advised to be) waaaaay too cautious.

I fail to see how e-bay or anyone else could possibly copywrite such categories/sub-categories - it's just nonsense.

Go for it, and I'll underwrite the legal expenses *_*