Retail and web commerce

Consumer sales today include both traditional store sales and robust online sales. Web commerce has opened the door to worldwide markets and allowed companies to reduce their reliance on brick-and-mortar stores — with corresponding reductions in wages, rents and other costs associated with selling goods and services face-to-face. Businesses that reap the benefits of virtual storefronts need advisors who are well-versed in both the legal and practical aspects of this form of commerce. We work closely with retail clients to identify and meet legal obligations under state and international privacy laws.

Our attorneys work with clients to develop website access, privacy policies and confidentiality practices and counsel businesses on Federal Trade Commission privacy policy enforcement initiatives. We help clients to comply with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act and to ensure that promotional e-mails don’t run afoul of spam laws. Our attorneys offer guidance concerning the provision of chat rooms and other interactive website elements that encourage user-generated content. We also work with clients to avoid unfair competition enforcement actions related to data protection practices, consumer data collection and data security procedures.

Our experience includes:

  • Advise regarding use of social media as part of retail advertising, including privacy issues
  • Evaluate company privacy policies for compliance with law
  • Assist in auditing company policies to ensure compliance
  • Audit e-commerce websites for compliance issues