Free Request to Link to Website

If the linking arrangement is simply a matter of directing users from your website to helpful and related information on another website, and if you have no reason at all to expect that the third party would object, you may wish to include a statement that the third party's consent to the link will be assumed unless you receive a response to the contrary within five business days.

In other situations it would be inappropriate to assume consent if no response is received. For those situations, it is better to close the request with a statement that you will contact the third party in a few days to confirm the third party's interest and to discuss any questions. This provides for the opportunity to discuss the type of linking arrangement that will be the most beneficial for both parties. The parties can then make arrangements to formalize the linking arrangement in a detailed written agreement.

The website owner may have questions about some of the information that you have provided or may require additional information. Therefore, your request should explain how you prefer to be contacted.

There are three linking options that you may choose:

• You may wish to place a hypertext link on your website that takes the user to a source of desirable information. For example, you may be the developer of award winning art and creativity software programs for children ages 3 to 14, with a special website called "http://www.kidpix.com". This website might contain an online drawing area, user submitted drawings, and information for teachers and parents. You might wish to place a link on your website that takes users to a government website that has information, graphics, and pictures that might be interesting to children.

• You may wish to have a link on a third party's website that brings users to your website. For example, if your website sells camping and outdoor gear and you know of an online outdoor magazine geared toward campers, you may wish to place a link on the website of the outdoor magazine that "drives" users to your website to buy camping and outdoor gear.

• You may wish to create links on both websites. For example, if your website sells legal software for consumers and a third party's website sells accounting and tax products, both you and the third party might desire the link, believing that sharing customers could be (i) profitable for both of you, and (ii) a desired benefit to your users.

Typically, there should be no charge if the linking arrangement is simply a matter of directing users from your website to helpful and related information on another website. If you are hoping to establish a link that brings users to your website, you should expect to provide some compensation. In other situations, both website owners may benefit and as a result there will be no need for either website to pay monetary compensation.

The purpose of the Request to Link to Website is to advise a third party of the desire to establish a hypertext connection ("link") from/to your website to/from a third party's website. Such connections are desirable to gain access to related information, obtain customers, and for other reasons.

Generally, this document can be used initiate communications with a third party by explaining what type of link is desired, why the link would be helpful, and what basic terms might be included in a more formal agreement.

In addition, if you simply wish to establish a link that points your users to a website that you think may be of interest to your users, and if you believe that the owner of the other website may be rather indifferent to the fact that your website is increasing traffic to its website, then this document can also be used as the formal basis for establishing the link. You should consult an attorney if you have questions or need assistance with a more formal agreement.

1. The Request to Link to Website should be signed by you.

2. Send the request to the owner of the website to which you wish to establish a link.

3. Retain a copy of the request for your records.

4. If you have indicated that you will assume consent if no negative response is received within five business days, then proceed with the link if a negative response is not received within that time period. If a negative response is received, you may wish to negotiate to a mutually acceptable agreement.

5. If you have indicated that you will follow up in a few days, then be sure to do so if you have continued interest.

In many linking arrangements, the third party will want the actual "link" feature on your website to be the third party's logo. In other cases, the third party wants to make sure that the user understands that "clicking" on the "link" has taken the user to a different site. As a result, most third parties wish to be assured that the third party's logo will be used if the third party so requests. Further, the third party will want to be assured that the logo is used only in accordance with the third party's instructions. The third party may also require that certain copyright notices be displayed to enhance the third party's copyright protection.

The uniform resource locator (the "URL") is the address format that is used by browsers to access a website. For example, "http://www.cyberwidget.com" could be the URL of Cyberwidgets, Inc.