I noticed it says "Please note that Mumsnet has copyright in all submissions to Mumsnet Talk"

[lingle]

I noticed it says "Please note that Mumsnet has copyright in all submissions to Mumsnet Talk" still despite the makeover.

You'd need an assignment in writing signed by the assignor for that. I think you're trying to say you want an exclusive royalty-free perpetual licence? A royalty-free perpetual licence is reasonable - not an exclusive one though.

[morningpaper]

But it isn't a collection of letters: it is a summary of advice distilled from threads, using sentences from odd posts on such threads to illustrate the summary of advice

does that clear things up

[UnquietDad]

lingle - I don't recall, sorry - will try and track down details!

[Swedes]

The author or creator of the work is the first owner of any copyright on it. Unless the work is done in the course of paid employment.

The copyright has been transferred to Mumsnet by assignment I assume?

[Swedes]

Actually as you have to join Mumsnet and sign their assignment prior to posting on the talkboard, you don't get to be first owner of copyright of your posts. Mumsnet actually own your posts before you post them.

[zazen]

Not true Swedes, as Lingle pointed out - the earlier registration page DID NOT include a tick box for agreement to terms and conditions.

"Helen, Justine, yes, you do need to change your statement. You need to state clearly that in return for free use of the forum, we agree that you can reproduce our posts in such form as you choose - ie you need to come as close as possible to making it contractual. And tbh for new users you need a tick box saying just that when they sign up (too late for existing users - you'll have to keep relying on implied licence granted as a result of the existing/improved notice).
"

I have extensive experience of publishing online, and offline, and have been an IP consultant and trainer. I run a fairly contentious political website - with a high potential to exposure to legal action - and have to say that MN show themselves up as being badly advised and unprofessional on this consent and owernership of comments issue. I bet they even host their site in the UK! [hock]

And yes, I'm Po'd by this as it seems that MN just blindly waltzed in to this trouble and now say - but it was there as a ruddy great sign, when in fact when I registered it wasn't there in the T n Cs. So that's a lie MN! Pants on Fire

[JustineMumsnet]

Thanks for all the advice folks. As we've said we are in the process of reviewing right now.

Zazen - you're right in that there's no tick box but our copyright note has always been in our Welcome note on the Talk home page and in our disclaimer at the bottom of every page. As we've said we've certainly never tried to hoodwink anyone. But we'll get it looked at for sure not least because our legal position as an "online publisher" seems to be changing as each test case gets fought.

Best,
MNHQ

[zazen]

That's good Justine,
I'm glad you are getting some expert legal advice because you do need to be in the business you are in

As you no doubt know now, people have to opt in by signing or ticking and agreeing to TnC.

Just assuming they read some general disclaimer published in small print at the bottom of the page, without having a check box to click that they have read and understood the terms and conditions of the site is morally and legally wrong.