Legal Question in Business Law in New York

A website

My friend owned a store, to help my friend out I decided to create a website for the store. I brought the domain and created a site. My friend recently sold the place and informed the new owner that there is a website for the store. I was thinking that I would work on the site for the new owner. That did not happen. The new owner was given my number.When I spoke to the new owner, they told me I need to turn over the site to them because they are the new owners to this store and this site goes along with it. I asked my friend if the website was part of the sale, I am told no. The new owner began to demand the access to the website, the passwords, because it is now theirs. I refused because I felt they were trying to bully me and I would only do it if there was something in writing. The new owner then told me that they can just download the entire site and upload it using the same webhost but a similiar domain name. I contacted the webhost and informed them of this, the webhosting company told me as long as the pay the monthly fee, they can do whatever they want. I don't feel this is right because I put alot of work into this. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.


Asked on 12/21/07, 8:25 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Nancy Delain Delain Law Office, PLLC

Re: A website

You might -- MIGHT -- have a case against the new owner for copyright infringement if they copy your website. Your remedies could be significant IF you and the former owner jumped through the proper hoops.

Please contact my office for a consultation. You'll get the voicemail during Christmas week; just leave a message that includes your phone number and someone will return your call, usually within 24 hours. Be sure to include your area code with the phone number.

THE INFORMATION PRESENTED HERE IS GENERAL IN NATURE AND IS NOT INTENDED, NOR SHOULD IT BE CONSTRUED, AS LEGAL ADVICE. THIS POSTING DOES NOT CREATE ANY ATTORNEY-CLIENT RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN US. FOR SPECIFIC ADVICE ABOUT YOUR PARTICULAR SITUATION, CONSULT YOUR ATTORNEY.

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Answered on 12/21/07, 9:07 pm
Christopher Hoyt The Law Offices of Christopher W. Hoyt

Re: A website

You may very well have some claims if they use your work without your permission. I would need additional information in order to go over your potential rights. Please feel free to contact my office if we may be of any assistance.

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Answered on 12/21/07, 10:32 pm


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