E-commerce continues to grow in the global business landscape. According to Statistica forecasts, revenue in the e-commerce industry is expected to reach 1.9 trillion US dollars by 2029. The rapid growth in recent years is largely due to the pandemic which saw businesses reassessing the avenues through which they could reach customers. 

The E-commerce landscape is still an unchartered territory for many consumers and businesses. As an e-commerce business owner, compliance with legislation protects your business from risks such as potential litigation. This is where an e-commerce lawyer becomes invaluable. They can help you navigate the complex legal landscape and ensure your business operates within the confines of the law. Here are some regulations an e-commerce lawyer can help your business with: 

Federal Trade Commission Act

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Act is the cornerstone of all business legislation. The FTC is a bipartisan federal agency established in 1914 to protect the rights of consumers and ensure fair competition among businesses.  The FTC Act outlines specific actions that constitute inequitable or deceptive practices and rules to guide business operations within the marketplace. The Act also gives the commission authority to investigate businesses, their practices, and management if there is reason to suspect that the organization is engaged in deceptive practices. The commission also has the power to levy penalties where breaches of the legislation have occurred. 

Ensure your business fully complies with the FTC Act by developing a comprehensive privacy policy, implementing proper security measures, being transparent in your advertising, honoring warranties and guarantees, and regularly reviewing and updating business practices to align with evolving FTC regulations. 

INFORM Consumers Act

The Integrity, Notification, and Fairness in Online Retail Marketplaces (INFORM) for Consumers Act is a recent legislature passed by Congress in 2023. The act was passed to increase protections against counterfeit products in e-commerce spaces. If your business intends to sell products through online third-party marketplaces, such as Amazon, you need to be aware of the guidelines in the legislature. The goal is to provide consumers with more transparency on the identity of sellers on e-commerce market platforms. It also seeks to provide consumers with legal avenues for redress. 

If you’re a small e-commerce business looking to sell your products online through third-party sites, you will need to comply with the rules of the INFORM Act to protect yourself and your business. 

Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard

The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a comprehensive set of rules or security requirements designed to protect consumers’ card data in transactions. The PCI DSS, established by the banking industry, ensures companies that collect, store, or process card information keep cardholder data in a secure domain. 

To ensure compliance, conduct vulnerability assessments of information systems, implement controls, and conduct regular evaluations. 

Uniform Electronic Commerce Act

The Uniform Electronic Commerce Act is the legislature that was established to validate electronic transactions by modernizing the legal framework governing the use of electronic documents. The Act was adopted in 1999 and has been adopted by 49 states, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.  The legislation establishes rules for the legal recognition of electronic documents, the use of electronic signatures, and the retention of electronic records. 

Compliance with this statute involves retaining electronic records following rules established by the legislature, conducting regular audits of transactions, and consulting an e-commerce lawyer to stay updated on any changes that could affect your business. 

Navigating the E-commerce Landscape With RM Warner

The e-commerce legal landscape requires a strategic approach to protect your business interests. The legal professionals at RM Warner have extensive experience guiding businesses through the intricate web of e-commerce regulations. We understand your unique challenges and are committed to providing tailored legal solutions that empower your business to thrive in a competitive digital landscape. 

Call us today at 866-570-8585 or complete a contact form to schedule a consultation.