Link law: The emerging law of internet hyperlinks

Abstract

Although Internet enthusiasts often claim a right of on‐line associations, that is, a right freely to link to other content on the Internet, evolving case law demonstrates that there is no absolute right to associate or link on the Internet. Rather, business law at times imposes limits and penalties on linking. As business grows on the Internet, litigants are likely to use creative theories based on unfair competition and intellectual property law to seek limits on linking. This article examines the first waves of Internet link law cases, how the legal positions have been framed and the principles with which those cases have been resolved. The article reviews the basics of the legal theories used (and likely to be used in the future) to challenge links. The article then reviews key linking cases involving, among other issues, direct links, “framing” and “inlining,” hidden metalinks and contributory infringement through links and mirror sites. The article concludes that, contrary to the original ethos of Internet use, in the era of business use of the Internet, linkages will often be scrutinized and controlled, and sometimes discouraged, litigated or penalized.