We share a lot of information regarding your business website, but the majority of it centers around functionality, security, SEO, etc. This is why we thought the concept of the legality of a website, its content, URL, and more was interesting and important to bring to you! Thanks to Anette Beebe, of Beebe Law, PLLC, we have seven legal questions you should consider when it comes to your business website.
With over 22 years of legal experience, Anette has built her practice to support businesses that operate online and individuals who have concerns about online content. Additionally, in her spare time, she works to educate youth and adults about repercussions from internet use through public speaking engagements and online courses through her company Smarter Internet Use.
Does your domain or content infringe on anyone else’s intellectual property?
- Did you purchase a domain that may be trademarked by someone else?
–For example, did you buy a domain like “thehomedepot.com” for your furniture store, which may be confused with the actual construction/home building store, Home Depot? - Does your website contain images that you found randomly online and decided to use for your own site?
–For example, maybe you found a beautiful picture of a sunset online and thought it might make a good backdrop for your website. - Did you copy content such as images from Instagram to place on your own website?
Does your website collect ANY data about or from your users?
- Does your site have a form that asks for people’s names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, or other types of identifying information?
- Does your website track user IP addresses or place tracking information onto your customer’s computer upon visiting your website?
Does your website allow users to make comments about your content or upload data/images?
- Do you operate a blog that allows your readers to openly comment on your articles or information?
- Do you operate an app that allows people to upload and share their favorite photos that they’ve taken?
Does your website need to provide disclaimers?
- Some industries, like law firms, may need to provide a disclaimer that the information they provide in their website pages is not legal advice in order to avoid liability.
- Maybe as part of your PR/marketing strategy you have paid an influencer to talk about your product or service?
Does your website sell anything online?
- Is your website a self-built platform to sell widgets, in which case you may need to take payment information (like credit cards or other banking information)?
–Example: a self-built website that sells products that are manufactured and designed by someone other than you?
Does your website adequately explain your terms of use?
- Do you have a Terms of Service that outlines what happens if there is ever a dispute between you and your website user, how and where such legal matters will be resolved?
- If you are selling a product or service, does the consumer understand your policies regarding returns or warranties?
Is your website at risk for ADA-related demand letters or lawsuits?
- Does your website contain flashing features that may cause someone to have a seizure?
- Does your website contain videos that don’t have captions (like closed caption on the TV) for the hearing impaired?
Get in Touch
If you have questions about any of these areas, or if you would like some help evaluating your site, Beebe Law is here to help. Visit their website and contact Anette below:
Anette J. Beebe
BEEBE LAW, PLLC
www.beebelawpllc.com
Office: (480) 442-8647
3120 W. Carefree Hwy., Suite 1-631
Phoenix, Arizona 85086
