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Royal Mail has launched a legal accusation against Lee Smith, a software developer, claiming he copied their extensive postcode database to support his own venture, GetAddress. This accusation was formally made in a claim filed with the High Court on March 28.

The case centers on the alleged unauthorized use of the Postcode Address File, a crucial dataset used by Royal Mail for efficient delivery services across the UK. Royal Mail claims that Smith, through his company Codeberry Ltd., extracted significant parts of this database without permission, effectively breaching Royal Mail's copyright.

Royal Mail Accuses Developer Of Copying Postcode Database: Background of the Dispute

Royal Mail maintains that its postcode address file is fundamental for businesses, which can access and utilize this data under strict licensing terms. However, they allege that Smith, who founded GetAddress in 2014, sidestepped these regulations by acquiring the data through a licensee, Ideal Postcodes, which has also pursued legal action against Smith and Codeberry for similar infringements.

The conflict escalated with Royal Mail asserting that GetAddress, under Smith's direction, misrepresented the origin of its data on its website. They claimed their data was updated more frequently than Royal Mail's own updates, using additional sources like the Ordnance Survey and recent property records.

Royal Mail Accuses Developer Of Copying Postcode Database: Royal Mail's Legal Stance

Royal Mail's legal filings suggest that the relatively low subscription fees charged by GetAddress could have undercut Royal Mail's business, potentially leveraging the complete and reliable data to attract major clients such as Greggs and Microsoft Dynamics 365. This, Royal Mail argues, indicates that a comprehensive and accurate database similar to their own is being used by GetAddress.

Further, Royal Mail highlighted errors in the GetAddress database that mirrored mistakes found in the Ideal Postcodes’ version of the postcode address file. This similarity suggests that the data might have been indirectly sourced from Royal Mail's database.

Royal Mail Accuses Developer Of Copying Postcode Database: Defense from Codeberry

In response, McEvedy Solicitors, representing Smith and Codeberry, defended their client's actions. They described the use of the data as minimal and within legal bounds, stating that it was gathered from publicly available and government-licensed sources between 2013 and 2014. They argue that Royal Mail is attempting to monopolize the market by claiming exclusive rights over postcode and address data.

Conclusion

As the case progresses, the legal arguments from both sides continue to develop, with Royal Mail seeking to protect its data assets and Codeberry defending its business practices and data sourcing methods. The outcome of this case could set significant precedents regarding data usage and copyright laws in the digital age.

Royal Mail is represented by Addleshaw Goddard LLP, while Codeberry’s legal interests are handled by McEvedys Solicitors & Attorneys Ltd. The case, officially known as Royal Mail Group Ltd. v. Codeberry Ltd. and another, is still pending in the High Court of Justice of England and Wales.