12 eCommerce Legal Issues to Consider in Operating an Online Business

The following article provides a high-level summary of some key eCommerce law issues online business operators face in running a website or other eCommerce business. Conducting business online or maintaining a website may subject companies and individuals to unforeseen legal liabilities. The following is a brief survey of 12 key eCommerce law issues to consider:

1. Internet Business & eCommerce

A good starting point is analyzing a company’s online presence and auditing their procedures to determine how to grow their brand and online influence. As part of this, the company’s agreements and websites should comply with the myriad of laws and regulations affecting websites and online businesses, such as COPPA.

2. Domain Name Acquisition

Domains are often the key to an online business, but can present a number of problems. Domain name issues include securing a domain name initially, as well as protecting domain names from adverse parties that attempt to trade off the goodwill associated with the company’s brand. Sometimes, the company needs defense, retrieval, and protection of domain names on the Internet.

3. Digital Millennium Copyright Act (“DMCA”) Compliance

Companies operating websites, particularly where third-party content may be uploaded directly, should consider adopting agreements and procedures to shield themselves against claims of liability and copyright infringement. This procedure is sometimes referred to as a “copyright policy” or “DMCA takedown” procedure. Compliance with the DMCA can provide the online operator with a safe harbor from liability.

4. Online Privacy

Online privacy continues to become a bigger issue. With the spread of mobile devices, tablets, and apps, privacy issues are becoming more complex. Companies should consider composing or updating their privacy policies as well as adopting internal security protocols aimed at protecting the online privacy of customers and website users.

5. Social Media Law

While a powerful vehicle to build brand strength and interact with customers, social media can create a number of legal issues for online businesses. A social media policy provided to employees as well as guidelines can be effective steps to reduce risk. A few key areas to consider are employment related use of social media, confidentiality, sponsorship, and branding guidelines.

6. Privacy Policies

Privacy policies should not be copied from online templates or rival companies. They should be drafted comprehensively to address unique issues of a specific online business and to accommodate future growth. Whether a company looks to collect analytics or more personalized information, the company should focus on its specific business needs and risk factors. Privacy policies should be updated as a business evolves.

7. Terms of Use Agreements

Terms of Use (TOU) agreements can limit liability for companies that maintain an Internet presence. These agreements should be optimized to address a company’s specific business and should not be simply cut and pasted from the Internet. What works for one company may not work for another company.

8. eCommerce Agreements

eCommerce agreements come in many forms such as licensing, advertising agreements, and payment processor agreements. eCommerce agreements should be drafted to address the primary legal risks involved in a particular eCommerce contract or business transaction.

9. Online Sweepstakes & Games

Online sweepstakes, contests, and games create a number of legal pitfalls. Depending on the sweepstake, contest, or game, compliance with the laws of all 50 states as well as the federal government may be required. Registration in specific states may also be required. Online businesses may benefit from guidance as to whether a particular new initiative is considered a sweepstake, contest, or game.

10. Domain Theft

Recovering hijacked domains can often be difficult and time-consuming. Typically, avoiding domain theft in the first place is much easier than attempting to recover a stolen domain. While difficult, it is possible to recover a hijacked domain.

11. Website Agreements

Website agreements can be customized to limit legal liability and reduce risks of disputes by analyzing an online business’s intellectual property portfolio, business processes, and brand objectives. Website agreements can be used for mobile applications in addition to websites.

12. Impersonation and Username Squatting

Impersonation and username squatting can occur when a third party registers a social media account using someone else’s identity. This can result in harmful posts and information being published in social media. Username squatting can also prevent a trademark or brand owner from controlling their trademark. Typically, registering usernames in advance is the best strategy to avoid impersonation or username squatting.

 

My Online Business Empire: The No Bull Story

My Online Business Empire: The dreamSo many of us dream of having an online successful business where we have the freedom that we do not get with the nine to five jobs, especially in this day and age. Some of us have even failed in the past trying to succeed at this. Have you heard those promises that so many made and it just didn’t live up to any of them? You are probably now waiting for all that with the My Online Business Empire. With me I am not all for showing you the unrealistic glitz and glam about anything. I am a no bull type of guy and that is what you are going to get here in this review about My Online Business Empire.I know there are many of you out there trying to build your business online and I enjoy connecting with all of you that are looking for help, tips, etc. Sure my goal is to be successful in whatever I do but it is mainly to help others do the same. So if you continue reading about My Online Business Empire, I will do just that to help you make the decision rather to join or maybe not as this may not be for you. It is true every opportunity isn’t for everyone, even if many try to push that it is, I will give you all the information and be honest with you so you can make the decision for you, not me making it for you- No Bull Here.My Online Business Empire: What is it?After the recession hit so many of us were looking for ways to be successful online through freelance work and especially some sort of business based online. There has been a lot of failure during that time, don’t fret there has been just as much success also with the right program.Those that were discouraged finally got a break and found Matt Llyod’s, My Online Business Empire. So what makes this system so different then any other? Those that have already had experience online and even those that are just getting onboard know and understand the amount of learning that it takes in breaking through all the traffic and noise to reach the other side where success is and the money waits for you.That is where My Online Business Empire fills those gaps. Matt Llyod lays out everything that he has done that works and shares it with you. From techniques like; email marketing, traffic generating, and so much more nothing is left out and it can be that gap filler for so many to reach that success and money making goals that they have for themselves.My Online Business Empire: Are you ready to fill your online success and money gap?With the My Online Business Empire system you get a lot of many useful tools and ability to make money. From these tools you get the Training of everything that Matt Llyod has done to be one of the top Marketers online, the License Rights Program which gives you the ability to sell Matt’s line of products and earn a commission from them, and you get the endless ability to grow as a professional business person through this system.

3 Reasons Why You Must Engage in Online Business Now

Online business is the type of business which can be executed online. There are many reasons why you must engage yourself in online business. But before I let the cat out of the bag, let me ask you some questions: Do you believe it is possible to make money online? Do you know that you can succeed online? If you answer yes to the above questions, that means you have what it takes to make money online. Back to the main issue, there are many reasons why you must engage in online business right now. Some of the reasons are:1) Developing Phase: Online business is still in the developing phase. Online business has not been utilized judiciously. This is one of the main reasons why you must start an online business now. Back in those days when computer was discovered, they normally use computer for calculating. After this, the internet was discovered. Since then, many people have been trying to find a way they can use to make some money online. But I can tell you that very small percentages of people using the internet are doing online businesses. What majority of them need is the solution to their problem. This is where you can come in. You can provide solution to the problem of these people by doing some research and putting all the solution together. After putting the solution together, you will need to sell it to people in need of it and I can tell you that they will be happy to put their hands into their pockets to give you money. Make sure you join the online business train now before it is too saturated.2) Vast Opportunities: There are many opportunities which can be derived online. But most of these opportunities have not been fully utilized. Only a few percentages of the people are making use of these opportunities. Some of these are not limited to blogging, website designing, affiliate marketing, freelancing, online consultancy, information marketing, website flipping, domain name registration and hosting, article writing and so on. There are more online businesses you can do apart from those ones listed above. You can make some research by searching “online business” on Google and you will be surprised by the millions of website having the results you want. Do not sit down searching for white-collar jobs that have become saturated, go online and do one or two business(s). You will be thankful to God that you did. Some of those people doing business online have started making money online which is enough to sack their bosses. It is never too late, join the train now.3) Increase in Demand for Online Services: Millions of online successful entrepreneurs are searching for people who can help them to execute some tasks in return for money. Millions of jobs are being posted online daily waiting for people who have the desire to make some money online. This is where you can come in. you can take up some of these jobs and make some money. Along the way, you will be learning how the internet works. If you can do something about the points discussed above, I will not be surprised if you start making money online within 60 days.