IT & e-trading

The internet has opened up a new world of opportunity for business with e-commerce offering previously untapped expansion opportunities without the need to invest in costly bricks and mortar.

But with new opportunities come new risks and a company failing to properly construct, maintain and protect a website and observe the torrent of associated legal requirements can face reputation damage, financial penalties and loss of business.

How can we help?

Our experienced e-commerce team helps clients, large and small, with every stage of their e-trading ventures, from planning and documentation, to the protection, exploitation and enforcement of IP rights in this environment. We're on top of all the latest legal developments arising out of security, data protection, transactional mechanisms, denial of service, protection of IP, defamation and advertising and have the commercial know-how to advise on the wider strategic business issues.

Our IT and e-trading services

• Software development and licensing
• Systems maintenance and support
• System outsourcing and disaster recovery
• Software escrowing
• Online Contracts - formation by electronic means
• Online IP matters - terms of use, privacy policies, disclaimers and copyright protection
• Employment issues - employee email and internet policies
• Online payments and trading
• Security
• Jurisdiction and choice of law
• Taxation
• Online dispute settlement

We also have experience of dot.com corporate work, electronic banking, online insolvency and fraud and regularly advise clients on:

• Online contract requirements - for website development, affiliate agreements, linking and framing agreements
• Regulatory matters - such as Distance Selling Regulations and data protection requirements
• Domain names - protection and disputes

Our lawyers are members of various e-commerce trade organisations and our international network membership provides easy access to advice in the US and European markets.