diff --git a/link.module b/link.module
index 241066d..782a560 100644
--- a/link.module
+++ b/link.module
@@ -379,7 +379,7 @@ function _link_validate(&$item, $delta, $field, $entity, $instance, $langcode, &
     }
   }
   // Require a link if we have a title.
-  if ($instance['settings']['url'] !== 'optional' && strlen(isset($item['title']) ? $item['title'] : NULL) > 0 && strlen(trim($item['url'])) == 0) {
+  if (!empty($entity) && $instance['settings']['url'] !== 'optional' && strlen(isset($item['title']) ? $item['title'] : NULL) > 0 && strlen(trim($item['url'])) == 0) {
     form_set_error($field['field_name'] . '][' . $langcode . '][' . $delta . '][url', t('You cannot enter a title without a link url.'));
   }
   // In a totally bizzaro case, where URLs and titles are optional but the field is required, ensure there is at least one link.