*INSERT GAME* Stats App - Legal?

[Speed]

I was wondering what the legality is behind the Call of Duty Stats or Halo Stats applications. Since the developer included the copyrighted name or acronym in their application name, wouldn't that fall under a copyright issue? What is the status on using statistical data? Does it fall under fair use?

Thanks for your responses ^.^

EDIT: Found my answer after sifting through the TOS of some of these companies.

Basically, I was allowed to use the information since my application would ask the user for their username and password which meant that the person was indeed the person owning the data and the account (I had to use their credentials to retrieve the stats). However, the company made it clear that reverse engineering their API as well as downloading data off of their service without authorization was against their Terms of Use.

I'm just seeing now what they can legally do if my application is free. All they could really do is ban me from their service, and take down the application - but they couldn't sue for damages as I haven't made anything off of the app. However, I may be wrong on this one as I am no lawyer. I'm also seeing how I could monetize off of the application and make money (maybe through IAP) by unlocking application features and keeping all of their content free to access inside of the app.

[Domele]

What's the answer? Or does it vary by company?

Just asking this so that if people find this thread later on, they get an answer.

[vbovio]

my advice: unless you have written permission, don't mess with stats/guides/sounds app of a very well known game.

[Speed]

Originally Posted by Domele

What's the answer? Or does it vary by company?

Just asking this so that if people find this thread later on, they get an answer.

Basically, I was allowed to use the information since my application would ask the user for their username and password which meant that the person was indeed the person owning the data and the account (I had to use their credentials to retrieve the stats). However, the company made it clear that reverse engineering their API as well as downloading data off of their service without authorization was against their Terms of Use.

I'm just seeing now what they can legally do if my application is free. All they could really do is ban me from their service, and take down the application - but they couldn't sue for damages as I haven't made anything off of the app. However, I may be wrong on this one as I am no lawyer. I'm also seeing how I could monetize off of the application and make money (maybe through IAP) by unlocking application features and keeping all of their content free to access inside of the app.

[ziocleto]

Originally Posted by Speed

I'm just seeing now what they can legally do if my application is free. All they could really do is ban me from their service, and take down the application - but they couldn't sue for damages as I haven't made anything off of the app. However, I may be wrong on this one as I am no lawyer. I'm also seeing how I could monetize off of the application and make money (maybe through IAP) by unlocking application features and keeping all of their content free to access inside of the app.

I will never cease to amaze me how hard certain people will try to get sued! :O

[Speed]

Originally Posted by ziocleto

I will never cease to amaze me how hard certain people will try to get sued! :O

That was hypothetical, I've obviously the idea :P