The internet has undoubtedly become the world leader in the commercial sale of both products and services.
The internet is filled with websites that offer products ranging from the sale of tangible goods (examples: books, cars, computers, telephones, television screens, office supplies, paper, etc.) to the sale of services (examples: legal services, medical services, accounting services, entertainment services etc.).
Your business needs, will need, or will be outright dependent on its online presence and features.
As an online business operator it is essential that you start thinking about legal compliance and legal agreements from the inception of your business. You should not commence operating an internet based business or website without first consulting with an attorney with substantial experience in the internet arena. There are both criminal and civil concerns that need to be discussed, analyzed, eliminated or minimized when launching a website, that only an experienced website attorney can address.
Some (but not all) of the types of legal documents that you may need for your online business include:
- Website Warning Page
- Website Terms of Use or Terms of Service or Terms and Conditions
- Website User Agreement
- Website Acceptable Use Policy
- Website Privacy Policy
- Website Cookie Policy
- Website Product Specific Agreements
- Website DMCA Notification Instructions
- Website Infringement Report Policy
Legal documents on a website are not present for decoration. Legal documents and disclaimers located on websites are legally binding contracts that in most instances have been drafted by an attorney who regularly represents website operators and online businesses.
Website Terms of Use and Terms of Service have become a daily source for legal disputes that often end up litigated and tied up in the courts. In many cases, our lawyers have seen website business operators saved by the legal terms located on their website and we have equally seen numerous occasions where the lack of proper website agreements and disclaimers have decimated online businesses in the courts.
Our law firm is comprised of some of the best and award winning lawyers in the website and online business arena and know what is necessary to protect you and your business from potential disaster. Our attorneys are familiar with the legal pitfalls of the internet and can assist you with crafting numerous types of website legal documents to protect you (including the documents described above).
Government at all different levels including state attorney generals, the FTC (Federal Trade Commission), the SEC (U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission), the CFPB (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau), the F.B.I. (Federal Bureau of Investigation), department of homeland security, and secret service, all utilize a website’s legal terms and policies as a tool in their investigations and prosecutions.
It is extremely dangerous and ill-advised to steal another website’s Terms and Conditions or utilize “forms” or “templates”. Our website lawyers will craft legal documents for your online business that will be based upon your specific website.
When it comes to a website’s Privacy Policy, the legal climate has never been hotter. With the exponential increase in data breaches, hackings and inadvertent disclosure of personal or sensitive data, a website’s Privacy Policy needs to be carefully prepared by attorneys who fully comprehend the importance of data security and understand data privacy law. Our lawyers are up-to-date on the latest developments in both United States and International law related to data security and are standing-by to help you comply with applicable law and to protect yourself in the event of a data security catastrophe.
Regardless of the type of legal disclaimer of agreement that your website needs, Silverstein Legal can help. Don’t wait until it’s too late and contact us immediately for assistance with drafting your website’s legal documents.
