[debate] is this ..vB Legal?

[Dr.CustUmz]

UPDATE read the WHOLE TOS!! section 1.2 states

1.2 Notices. The Software must contain vBulletin Solutions? copyright and other proprietary notices that appear on or in the Software, unless a Branding Free License is purchased.

nothing more nothing less... yup legally, im good even according to their own TOS =)

ok so im designing my new skin, and since it wasnt a live skin when i got the message that im removing the copyright i ignored it cause i was putting it back, just hadn't got to that point yet, wanted to test just my html inside.

so when i added the copyright back this is how i did it.

<li><a href="http://vbulletin.com" title="$vbphrase[powered_by_vbulletin]">vBulletin&reg;</a></li>

the copyright phrase is in red, and this is how it looks on the skin i'm working on.

so, it's there, shoot i even linked to them (which is not required). so i'd like to know is that technically breaking the terms and conditions?

i know i've seen skin sources (in the actual xml's) not have the phrase at all but instead just say "powered by vBulletin" so i just want to be cautious and find out for sure.

[AusPhotography]

Often (c) is done by appending to that phrase

[Mark.B]

The full copyright notice needs to be visible on page load, it must not require a mousover to see it.

[K4GAP]

Originally Posted by Dr.CustUmz

ok so im designing my new skin, and since it wasnt a live skin when i got the message that im removing the copyright i ignored it cause i was putting it back, just hadn't got to that point yet, wanted to test just my html inside.

so when i added the copyright back this is how i did it.

<li><a href="http://vbulletin.com" title="$vbphrase[powered_by_vbulletin]">vBulletin&reg;</a></li>

the copyright phrase is in red, and this is how it looks on the skin i'm working on.

so, it's there, shoot i even linked to them (which is not required). so i'd like to know is that technically breaking the terms and conditions?

i know i've seen skin sources (in the actual xml's) not have the phrase at all but instead just say "powered by vBulletin" so i just want to be cautious and find out for sure.

Coming to your own conclusion via a poll does not change the requirement that the copyright be in full, and fully visible upon page load.

[DreadsUK]

I had the same issue previously. i presume they gave you an email stating you have 28 days to put it right?

Then that is what you have to respond and you can equally request additional time if they haven't responded. I studied law so it comes in very helpful with contract

Notices can be scary but they don't have to be.

All you have to do is do the best you can to what you believe to be correct in your understanding of the initial agreement. Screenshot and reply requesting 28 days for their response. If they don't respond, they agree to whatever you've submitted by acquiescence. This can go on for years if you really wanted it to lol.

in all honesty, be polite and honourable in your approach. hope that helps

[Zyon]

On mobiles when you haven't mouse, on old mobiles especially you can't on any way see it.

So you need to put whole copyright to be visible without mouseover.

[Zachery]

As semi official response, the copyright must be plainly visible on every page.

[Dr.CustUmz]

Originally Posted by DreadsUK

I had the same issue previously. i presume they gave you an email stating you have 28 days to put it right?

Then that is what you have to respond and you can equally request additional time if they haven't responded. I studied law so it comes in very helpful with contract

Notices can be scary but they don't have to be.

All you have to do is do the best you can to what you believe to be correct in your understanding of the initial agreement. Screenshot and reply requesting 28 days for their response. If they don't respond, they agree to whatever you've submitted by acquiescence. This can go on for years if you really wanted it to lol.

in all honesty, be polite and honourable in your approach. hope that helps

no theres no way for anyone to even see this right now its just a theme im making and i thought that would be a nice way to include the copyright. i mean even before hover i have vBulletin(r) and then on hover it gives you the full phrase... i honestly cant think of why it wouldnt be "legal" since it is still branded with vBulletin weather the user can see the whole copyright or not.

i mean i could be a total ass about it and have the phrase one shade lighter/darker than my background color so its hard as hell to see cause again that would TECHNICALLY not be breaking the law... cause the copyright IS there.

so me typing out vBulletin(R) in itself and showing the rest of the text upon hover in a sexy way, really i dont see the harm. would it be more admirable of me to type out "Powered by vBulletin(R)" and have that show the rest of the copyright upon hover, cause as i said previously, I've see quite a few skins that have the phrase ($vbphrase[powered_by_vbulletin]) completely removed and just text saying powered by vbulletin... in a legal/technical since, i see no harm in this. and i think i may do as dreads suggested send in my code and some screenshots to J$ / vB and see if i can get a response from them, but i dont think even what THEY say would matter its more i'd have to talk to lawyers, but thats just too much work lol. maybe if i start making DBTech kind of cash id go that route lol. Cause i plan on selling my skins, and i'd like to be able to use this method in more than one way, cause the things you could do with this are amazing, and look so elegant.

[Zachery]

Originally Posted by Zachery

As semi official response, the copyright must be plainly visible on every page.

I am a staff member.

[Dr.CustUmz]

Originally Posted by Zachery

I am a staff member.

yes and that's my point though... of coarse vbulletin officials are going to say no i have to do it THEIR way, but legally... i print out the company's name. that's TECHNICALLY/LEGALLY all i am required to have as far as copyright legality.