I wouldn't call it a "controversial" thread, it's more a question of legality and ethics. The way I see it, (and you can call me on it if I'm wrong) is that you want to develop something commercial from which you or your company will profit financially, and you want to do it with "free" stuff, to cust costs... What you want to know is, can anyone stop you, and if you go ahead anyway, will they be able to claim damages, right? I think the answer you're looking for is, "try it and find out." Like I said, I might be completely out of line, here, but that's my take on it. later jb