E-commerce has transformed the way in which money is spent. With increasing numbers of consumers choosing to shop online, the opportunities for web based businesses grow every day.

It is not always a trouble-free way of operating, however. Few people would choose to start a business without working through the complexities and the legal implications. Online businesses should be no exception. These sorts of businesses are faced with a raft of separate legislation dealing with data protection, online trading, electronic marketing and distance selling which regulate their operations.

The absence of face-to-face dealing means that online businesses face the risk of falling foul of rules about under-age purchasing or fraud, for example. Similarly, there are challenges in a contractual context – is a customer bound by the business’ terms and conditions? There are also data protection issues and threats to the security of a business’ intellectual property rights.

About our Ecommerce Solicitors

Our ecommerce solicitors work with start-up and established businesses on the range of issues relating to e-commerce. Typically, this includes advising them on:

• setting up and running an e-commerce company
• IT contracts, including drafting, hosting and maintenance agreements
• website terms and conditions
• compliance with EU laws including Distance Selling Regulations
• electronic marketing regulations
• content licence agreements
• software licence agreements
• protecting intellectual property rights
• data protection obligations
• terms and conditions of sale
• privacy regulations and policies
• website acceptable use policies
• linking agreements
• website licensing.

Our lawyers are well-versed in all aspects of e-commerce trading in the context of particular businesses, sectors and industries. Clients’ backgrounds are varied and their needs range from support in selling products and services online to online advertising. Whatever their objective, our team makes sure that clients’ potential is protected and promoted.

Please contact us to discuss how our specialist intellectual property solicitors can help you.