The Advantages of a Website Legal Audit

With so many inexpensive ways to launch a website, many people turn to the Internet to sell products, advertise their services, or share information with family and friends. Most will simply write a copy and add some images. However, some of these websites may violate e-commerce, copyright or other laws, and the website owner may not be aware of this. The owner may also not be aware of other sites that violate his copyrights and domain names.

Due diligence on a website is the best way to find out if your site meets the requirements. This audit is usually performed by an attorney familiar with Internet law. This Legal Bundle Review and information can protect your business and avoid future legal problems.

Financial considerations: nothing is really free

Some people are happy to create their website for free and host it for a few dollars a month. However, ignorance is not a defense when it comes to the law, and there are several things to consider.

* Taxes. If you sell goods or services, you must pay taxes in some way. If you are a service provider, such as a freelance writer, you must pay income taxes. Those who sell products on their website need to know in which jurisdictions they will have to pay sales tax. The audit will tell you what taxes you have to pay.

* Partnership and license agreements. Affiliate marketing is one of the most popular ways to earn money online. Basically, the website owner agrees to promote and sell the product for the business for a share of the profits. You have to make sure that your agreements are valid, otherwise you can sell the product without making any money.

* Giveaways, contests. Your nonprofit or church may decide to hold a fundraising contest, or your business may offer sweepstakes. Be careful because in some states such lucrative businesses may be illegal.

* Sure. Just as you insure your home and car against damage, you need to insure your website. While buying insurance for your website may seem silly, what would you do if someone stole all of your business information? Liability insurance can cover these losses.

Legal considerations

Before starting your website, you needed to protect your domain name. Are you sure this domain name is yours? If you have used a designer to create your site, they may have acted as the owner of your domain name. If the relationship between you and your designer has deteriorated, you may need to fight for that name. Remember that domain names are not free and will need to be renewed. Make sure you know the date.

The domain name is important, but other legal considerations can kill your site. This includes:

* Copyright. Make sure the copyright of the website belongs to you and not to the designer or the person who maintains your website. Also, make sure that images, including digital images, and copies on your site are not protected by anyone’s copyright. You’ll also want to check and make sure no one else is using your copyrighted information on your site.

* Advertising considerations. The FTC has strict guidelines on advertisements. Please read these rules carefully or you may get a fine or a significant fine.

* Do you have a privacy policy? There should be more than a few words on your site. You and everyone who works for you must comply with this policy.

* Are you advertising for children or are children visiting your site? In 1998, Congress passed the Children’s Privacy Protection Act to protect children from people who collect their information online. Failure to comply can result in fines.

* Please note that the Internet is global. You need to know if your website violates any international law.