{"id":4591,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:36","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/business-operations\/top-10-reasons-to-contact-an-attorney-before-launching-your.html"},"modified":"2024-06-06T03:37:04","modified_gmt":"2024-06-06T08:37:04","slug":"top-10-reasons-to-contact-an-attorney-before-launching-your","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-operations\/top-10-reasons-to-contact-an-attorney-before-launching-your.html","title":{"rendered":"Top 7 Reasons to Contact an Attorney Before Launching Your E-Commerce Site"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Top 7 Reasons to Contact an Attorney Before Launching Your E-Commerce Site<\/h1>\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Aviana Cooper, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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Editorial Note: We earn a commission from affiliate partner links on FindLaw. Commissions do not affect the editorial integrity of our legal content.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

The internet has changed since the early days when an entrepreneur with a computer and a catchy business name could start a business from their bedroom. Today, e-commerce is regulated as tightly as any brick-and-mortar business. Starting an e-commerce business now means navigating federal and state laws like any small business.  <\/p>\r\n

Some of the legal problems facing small business owners when they start an e-commerce business may surprise you. The danger is not hackers or data breaches<\/a> but failure to follow federal laws and tax codes. Discussing the changing regulations with a small business lawyer before making your business plans can save you time and headaches later.  <\/p>\r\n

Below you’ll find the top seven reasons talking to an attorney might be a good idea for your online business. Before you open a new business or expand your existing business into e-commerce, you should talk to a business lawyer with experience in technology and intellectual property law.<\/p>\r\n

1. Data Privacy Laws<\/h2>\r\n

The rapidly changing data privacy laws<\/a> are the top reason to review your e-commerce startup with an attorney. In 2023, a raft of new data privacy laws were enacted, with implications for anyone doing business online. All these laws follow the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).<\/p>\r\n

The GDPR affects businesses based in the EU and any business entity doing business with European Union citizens. The GDPR and related laws require businesses to guarantee:<\/p>\r\n