Is it legal to post prices of certain foods from local supermarkets on a website without consent?
Get Legal Help Today
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Is it legal to post prices of certain foods from local supermarkets on a website without consent?
I am creating a website that compares local supermarket prices of certain foods. Do I need consent fro the supermarket to post their prices or can I walk into a supermarket write down the prices and put them on my site. Do I also need consent to write a review of their site?
Asked on October 28, 2010 under Business Law, Maryland
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
I think that it would be fine as long as you do not favor one market over the other and treat all fairly. The prices are "out in the public" and a review is often considered free speech. In fact it is all probably protected under the first amendment in one way or another. You have a write to critique a store and their prices and probably their website as all these "things" are out there for the world to see. It isn'tlike you are trying to reveal McDonald's secret sauce on the Big Mac. I would make sure that your comments are tasteful, not attacking or in any way harassing of the markets. You can be honest and still be professional. Good luck.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.