In recent years, much of consumer retail consumption has transitioned to the online marketplace. So, many of us engage in e-commerce, especially when shopping for the upcoming holiday season. While e-commerce is convenient and easy, consumers are becoming more aware of the risks posed by hackers that commit online fraud.…
The best advertising directs a company’s message directly to the customer. Direct telephone marketing is an effective way to accomplish this kind of advertising. However, the Telephone Consumer Protect Act (“TCPA”) now restricts how businesses can engage in direct telephone marketing. But, there are many other ways companies can directly…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…