Deep-linking may mean deep legal trouble

摘要

Deep-linking is an electronic linking practice used on the Internet that allows a first web-site to directly link to electronic content on interior web pages on a second website, thereby avoiding a home page on the second website. Deep-linking is being used for many new e-business models on the Internet. This practice has generated a number of lawsuits based on trademark dilution, copyright infringement and other legal theories. Some of the legal issues associated with deep-linking are discussed. One technical solution based on time-varying symbolic links is also presented to help prevent rival websites from using deep-linking techniques.