The purchase of commercial general liability and umbrella insurance policies are ways to protect your business from liability. However, these types of policies have not adapted to protect policyholders from certain types of cyber liability. This issue was recently exposed in a case against Urban Outfitters, Inc., and its subsidiary,…
Internet Lawyer Blog
Peer-to-Peer Cyber Crimes
Peer-to-peer networks have provided an invaluable service that allows users to share information and data around the world. These networks became popular for media sharing, culminating in the infamous Napster scandal. Many are aware of the copyright issues that arise with the use of peer-to-peer media sharing. However, there are…
ABC v. Aereo—Implications for the Future
The writing is on the wall. The future of television and media consumption is moving away from network channels and physical sales to an “On-Demand Internet” streaming model. This trend has already begun with millennials. Millennials, as a group, do not subscribe to cable television or purchase music. Instead, services…
Internet Websites and Jurisdiction
In recent times, a significant amount of business is conducted online. The Internet connects a business to customers anywhere in the world. What happens when a dispute arises between a business in one state and a customer in another? If the customer wants to bring legal action against the business…
The JOBS Act: Crowdfunding Under Titles II and III
Since the 1930s, the act of publicly raising money for a startup business has been outlawed. Now, with the implementation of the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act (“JOBS Act”), in 2012, public crowdfunding is legal and encouraged. Startup companies are no longer confined in the resources and opportunities available to…
Social Media Advertising
In recent years, social media has allowed users to instantly communicate with each other. Social media also provides a low cost and high-yield forum for communications. Because of these effects, social media is becoming the preferred way for advertisers to reach customers. A marketing campaign that includes social media can…
Cryptocurrencies and Crypto-Crowdfunding
It seems that entrepreneurs do not simply want to capitalize on local markets anymore. An international impact is achievable with the connections available through internet and technology (e.g., e-commerce). A startup company can now achieve that international presence by utilizing cryptocurrencies and crypto-crowdfunding. Using cryptocurrencies allows a company to do…
Starting an Online Business
In the past, to start a business you had to find a location, rent space, and open your doors to the public. Today, many entrepreneurs can do it all online by advertising, communicating with customers, and managing transactions using the web. Many entrepreneurs are interested in starting a new business…
Mobile Apps and Consumer Privacy Rights
As mobile technology improves, we all do more on our mobile devices—e.g., banking, shopping, and gaming are just a few examples. The Wall Street Journal estimates the mobile apps market as a $25 billion industry. New businesses and entrepreneurs may want to jump into this growing market. When new developers…
Cybersecurity Insurance
Today, most companies are dependent on technology and their computer systems, and there are entities whose primary focus is to hack into these systems. On the other hand, a company might experience an internal breach of its network system, which causes the unauthorized release of sensitive information. Any breach into…