Online Selling & Enforcement

Internet law is unique in the legal world in the sense that the relevant concepts are derived from a range of traditional practice areas, such as contract law, privacy, intellectual property, and many others. There is no specific, stable set of laws that applies across national borders, yet the internet itself and supporting technologies evolve at a lightning-fast speed. Whether your business sells goods or provides services through the web, the legal landscape can lead to confusion and uncertainty – neither of which provide a suitable environment for your company to thrive.

Understanding online infringement is essential to developing an effective online strategy.  In the “real” world, infringement is usually walking into a store and seeing infringing products.  The brand owner will investigate the chain of distribution, where the products were advertising, and how many sales were achieved.   Nowadays, the assessment can be much harder and the reach much further.  

If you are a brand ambassador, or artist, musician, or creator, and/or you are a business selling your products or services, you are likely marketing and/or offering your services online.  From hashtags to infringing products, online infringement can take many different forms.  Many online platforms – like Pinterest, Instagram, Etsy, Ebay, Amazon, and Youtube – have policies in place to combat online infringement in accordance with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (“DMCA”).   

If you believe your creative work or brand is being infringed on an online platform, MAVEN® IP can send a notice to the online service provider and the online service provider should take the material down.    MAVEN® IP is experienced with utilizing online platforms to submit take down notices and with negotiating resolutions with alleged infringers.