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[faulk511]

I'm currently developing a unique website that will gear traffic to moms / families.  I will have unique content for the most part.  However I plan on listing companies in my local area as a useful directory.  Listing various company names, phone numbers, addresses without their permission is my question?  I would assume Seach Engines will use these names in their search results / keywords --- am I to benefit legally?  Should I get their permission for each listing?  My thinking is there are many collections of information listed such as yellow pages and search engines? 

[artchain]

There is no problem republishing factual, public information.

[faulk511]

Thanks for the reply - I understand reposting factual information that is public.  What i'm concerned about is listing another business name on the website without them knowing I did it.  Yes that is also public information.  I'm just concerned that my company would benefit financially from their
"unknown" listing. 

[artchain]

Again, it is not is problem.  You don't need their knowledge or consent to republish factual information about their business.

There are probably hundreds of "business directories" that do exactly that. 

Most also allow businesses to add listings, or to "claim" and update an existing listing.  They may also offer "enhanced listings" for a small fee. 

It's a very common online business model.

A related type of business is the online "rating and review" website, which allows users to post reviews of businesses - again, without the consent of the business.  (See Rating and Review Professional Association website, at http://www.rarpa.org for more information.)