Let’s say I want to create a website that helps people troubleshoot a topic. I get my facts and information from site A, and use that info to write my own articles (Not copying word for word, but stating the same ideas).
Site A has this policy: "Any duplication or use of images, diagrams, or text, or other electronic or printed publications is not permitted without the prior written agreement by Site A."
Copyright.gov says this: "Copyright does not protect facts, ideas, systems, or methods of operation, although it may protect the way these things are expressed."
So am I allowed to take the facts and information from Site A and use it on my own site? I will not take their images or interpretation of the facts, but just the facts themselves. And I will write my own articles and "fluf" based on the facts.
Note: I live in the US
EDIT:
I tried to add this as a comment but it was too long.
So my current understanding is that facts in lists of obvious order cannot be copyrighted, but their explanations or instructions can be.
So can I do this?
SITE A:
How to fix a black screen on your computer
Fixing a black screen can be quite easy! Just follow these simple steps.
- Restart by holding down the power key for 5 seconds (This can help refresh the system if something is not working right)
- Remove the battery, then replace it (This can help remove all background operations)
- Throw it out the window because there is nothing else you can do to fix it
My Site
This guide will show you how to fix a black screen on your computer!
- Try holding down the power button for five seconds to reset the device.
- If that does not work, try removing, then replacing the battery. Doing this can help stop any tasks your computer may be running.
- If the above steps don't work, bring your computer to a repair shop for further analysis.