Where do we stand in regards to copyright when using a custom url screen to display an external webpage. I know its ok to "link" to a website but "framing" it in another website or webview can be classed as copyright infringement. any advice welcome

I don't think that would be a problem. Many apps do that (Drudge Report app comes to mind).

Framing can be a problem, how & when you do it is significant. Apple and Google will reject your app if you frame improperly. Hot linking "extreme framing" can be hazardous because the framee (new word? ) may switch frame content on you. Framing can be violation of copyright law, depends on copyright law being applied. Fred

When using a custom url screen to display a webpage, would this be classed as framing. I will simply be using full webpages view. I will not be using specific portion of page. Is this ok? also is it ok to to use images found on the net for display in a button on a button menu?

When using a custom url screen to display a webpage, would this be classed as framing. No, some sites tell you it's not permitted, but it is unless you've agreed to otherwise (TOS). Just because there's a TOS it doesn't mean you agreed to it. I will simply be using full webpages view. OK I will not be using specific portion of page. Is this ok? YES also is it ok to to use images found on the net for display in a button on a button menu? NO, see the images license. Perhaps can be used under "fair use". Fred

Technically, everything published is copyrighted by the publisher, whether noticed or not. "Fair use" is a broad term, but there have been court rulings on the issue. I just say tread cautiously. I doubt you'll get sued, but you may get a notice to take down your content. I recently had a run-in with the Collegiate Licensing Corporation regarding my college football apps. They're all removed from the app store at the moment while I re-do them to meet their guidelines. It was either that, or attempt to become an officially licensed vendor -- something my volume of sales certainly wouldn't cover the application fees. Here's an interesting article about a court case back in 2008. Lots of stuff on the internet if you google the topic. http://tinyurl.com/9cfvn2d

Say I were to display a special offers page from a retailer on their website (the whole page as it is on their website) via a custom url screen linked to that page on their website, would that be ok?

Deep linking Can be a violation or not. Doesn't sound like fair use. But I don't think linking to a page, even if it's not the home page is under copyright law. If so, fair use analysis. Depends on content, why you're linking, are you deep linking to lots of their content? Just a bit? Most of it? Only the important parts? What county you're in. From Wikipedia: In the World Wide Web, deep linking is making a hyperlink that points to a specific page or image on a website, instead of that website's main or home page. Such links are called deep links. Court cases against deep linking have gone both ways in various countries. Can you get permission? If I'm correct it's not a violation of copyright law, therefore you don't need permission. In such a case requesting permission though not necessary may get you a return link. Fred

just to clarify. All I would be doing is opening their website in a custom url screen. much the same as opening it in native browser only it won't have the address bar at the top, just the navbar with screen name. I would just be opening it something other than the home page but app users would be able to use the whole website just same as opening it in native browser. I could just launch it in native browser if its going to cause any problems as it would have same effect.

As I said I don't think linking to their site is a violation of copyright law. Therefore Custom URL screen or Native Browser is your choice, but what county are you in can make a difference. Fred

Thanks again. See you have hit the 60,000 points now Fred. A measure of your great contribution to buzztouch.

Yes, it appears I have, didn't notice. But it's not so much as an indicator of my contribution but more of an indicator of the power of the Buzztouch Forum. Fred

Yep, I find myself spending more time in these forums every day but if it were not for yourself and others giving up so much time to help in these forums and put together great guides then for many of us it would be like stumbling around in the dark trying to figure things out.

A somewhat dated, but interesting article related to Terms of Service (TOS) for a website. @Fred's comment about agreeing to a TOS got me thinking, and a bit of research sent me here: https://www.eff.org/wp/clicks-bind-ways-users-agree-online-terms-service The visibility of a TOS link on a website may or may not have an affect on whether it's binding if you didn't take the time to read it. Mark