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.
