Buckworths advises e-commerce businesses on the full range of legal issues that arise from selling goods, services, or digital content online. The legal framework for e-commerce is detailed and compliance obligations are significant, particularly for businesses selling to consumers.
We draft consumer-facing terms and conditions, returns policies, distance selling compliance documentation, and website terms of use. We advise on electronic marketing compliance and data protection obligations under the GDPR. We draft and review content and software licence agreements, protect trademarks and copyright in the UK and internationally, and advise on marketplace and platform terms.
For e-commerce businesses building their tech infrastructure, we advise on hosting agreements, IT and maintenance contracts, and API and integration agreements. We also advise on commercial leases for warehouse and fulfilment operations.
Book a free consultation to discuss your e-commerce business.
Our Services
- Commercial
- Commercial Property
- Corporate
- Data Protection
- Dispute Resolution
- Employee Incentivisation
- Employment
- Franchising
- Funding
- General Counsel
- Intellectual Property
- Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A)
- Regulatory Services
- Secretarial Services
- Strategy and Business Support
FAQs
E-commerce businesses selling to UK consumers must comply with the Consumer Contracts Regulations, which require pre-contract information, cancellation rights of at least 14 days, and specific delivery and returns obligations. You also need GDPR-compliant terms, a privacy policy, a cookie policy, and clear pricing including VAT. We advise e-commerce businesses on the full range of consumer law obligations.
Selling on third-party marketplaces involves agreeing to the platform's terms of service, which can significantly affect your rights as a seller. Key issues include account suspension procedures, fee structures, IP enforcement through the platform, and liability for defective products. We advise e-commerce businesses on marketplace agreements and their rights when disputes arise.
The most effective steps to protect your brand when selling online are: 1. Register your brand name and logo as trademarks in the UK, EU, and any other markets where you sell. 2. Enrol your trademark in Amazon's Brand Registry if you sell on Amazon, giving you tools to remove counterfeit listings. 3. Monitor for infringers using trademark watch services. 4. Act quickly against infringers with cease and desist letters or platform takedown requests. We advise on trademark registration and enforcement.