In today’s digital world, every business needs to have an online presence. While launching your website doesn’t usually require the expertise of an online business attorney, when it comes to launching an e-commerce site, you may need one. Many legal issues come into play, including copyright and trademark infringement, domain name theft, payment card security, customer data protection, unfair competitive practices, and many more.
Why Should You Hire an E-Commerce Attorney?
Here are ten reasons why you should consider hiring an experienced internet lawyer for your online business:
1. Ever-Changing Technology
As technology continues to change, so do the laws regulating it. If you fail to be compliant with these laws, you put your business at risk of a lawsuit. An online business attorney is trained to keep up with these changing laws.
2. Protection From Lawsuits
Online business attorneys are trained to be proactive. It’s their job to help prevent a lawsuit against your business. They’ll help you cover all your legal bases and get your documents in order. An online business lawyer can also help argue your case if you’re already facing a lawsuit.
3. Employment
Hiring an internet business attorney can help you ensure that you don’t violate laws related to wages and working hours, independent contractors, employee leave, occupational health and safety, and employment discrimination.
4. E-Commerce Payments
How will you accept business payments? If you aren’t sure of your options, an online business lawyer can help you determine the payment method that is most suitable for your business while ensuring you remain compliant with payment card security regulations and do not violate any banking laws.
5. E-Commerce Website Disclaimers
You need to ensure your e-commerce website contains disclaimers. These disclaimers will help limit your liability if there is inaccurate information on your website. A lawyer will also recommend that disclaimers include prohibitions against copying and distributing the content on your site.
6. E-Commerce Advertising
There are federal and state customer protection and anti-fraud laws concerning internet advertising, and misleading advertisements, even if by accident, could have legal ramifications. Hiring an e-commerce attorney can help you avoid lawsuits that involve false advertising.
7. Copyright
Any content you upload to your e-commerce site must be original or published with permission or with the appropriate license from the copyright owner. Distributing content from another source without the relevant permission or license can lead to a lawsuit. An online business lawyer can help obtain a license to use copyrighted work.
8. Trademarks and Tradenames in E-Commerce Law
Is a competitor using your trademark, trade name, or service mark to drive customers to their e-commerce website? A lawyer can help you sue for trademark infringement.
9. Antitrust
Antitrust laws prohibit price-fixing, monopolies, blocking competition and other actions that lead to an unfair business advantage. These laws apply to conventional commerce and e-commerce alike. Something as simple as setting a price for your products could put your business in breach of antitrust laws. An online business attorney will ensure you are aware of and compliant with antitrust regulations.
10. Privacy and Security for E-Commerce
Do you collect and retain personal information about those who use your e-commerce site? Then you must ensure that information is secure. Consult an online business lawyer to make certain you comply with the relevant data privacy laws.
Are you looking for an internet law firm?
If you are planning to launch an e-commerce site, and are searching for an experienced online business attorney, contact us at RM Warner Law. The attorneys at RM Warner Law are well-versed in e-commerce law and know how to help your online business thrive.
Call us today to learn more about e-commerce regulations and how they apply to your online business.
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