Is your online store legal? (S5E149)

Is your online store legal? (S5E149)

Author: Autumn Witt Boyd | Go-To Lawyer for Online Entrepreneurs July 27, 2020 Duration: 28:36

Ecommerce is booming, with more brick-and-mortar stores taking their products online. 

And while there are tons of online store platforms that make the transition to online selling easier than ever, there are many pitfalls to not setting up your ecommerce store legally that you might never see coming.

Get our best legal tips for ecommerce businesses to make sure your online store doesn't cause you major headaches down the road.

In this episode, we'll cover:

  • The best way to work with independent contractors as you create products and market your shop
  • What you need to know about licensing agreements for your ecommerce business (this may surprise you!)
  • Why you'll likely want to form a corporate entity and have insurance for your product-based business
  • The important legal documents you need on your ecommerce website (one of these is required by law!)
  • What you should do from day one to avoid issues with the name of your shop and products
  • When it comes to registering copyright vs. trademark, which process Autumn says you can probably do yourself, and when she recommends you work with an attorney
  • Best practices for using other people's intellectual property on your products, your website, or in your marketing and social media efforts

BONUS:  If you're starting something new, or this episode has spotlighted areas of your business that have you worried, now is a great time to make sure your business is in good shape legally. Download our free legal checklist to make sure your business has a strong legal foundation at www.awbfirm.com/podcast149!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Independent Contractor Agreement contract template: https://awbfirm.com/collections/all/products/independent-contractor-contract-template

Website Privacy Policy for U.S. Businesses template:https://awbfirm.com/collections/all/products/website-privacy-policy-for-u-s-businesses-gdpr-compliant

Website Terms and Conditions of Use template: https://awbfirm.com/collections/all/products/website-terms-conditions-of-use-with-disclosure-policy

Bundle & Save: Website documents bundle (includes Privacy Policy + Terms and Conditions): https://awbfirm.com/collections/all/products/website-pages-bundle

Meet Wick the Gnome of Almanac Supply Co.: https://almanacsupplyco.com/blogs/articles/meet-the-maker-eryn-garcia?_pos=5&_sid=e07ad022e&_ss=r

This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.


Navigating the legal landscape of an online business often feels like deciphering a foreign language. Legal Road Map®: copyright, trademark and business law info for online entrepreneurs translates that complex language into actionable advice you can use right away. Hosted by Autumn Witt Boyd, a practicing attorney who focuses specifically on creative and digital businesses, this podcast serves as a reliable guide through the common yet confusing legal questions entrepreneurs face daily. Each episode tackles practical topics, from the essential contracts you need to protect your work and client relationships to understanding the real purpose behind website policies like terms of service and privacy notices. You’ll hear clear explanations on how copyright and trademark law applies to your original content, branding, and products, helping you secure your intellectual property without unnecessary jargon. Think of it as a regular consultation with a trusted expert, designed to demystify the law so you can make informed decisions and focus on growing your venture with greater confidence and security. Tune in for straightforward conversations that replace legal anxiety with a practical plan, making this podcast an invaluable resource for any entrepreneur building a business in the digital space.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Legal Road Map®: copyright, trademark and business law info for online entrepreneurs
Podcast Episodes
Is your business course-ready? (S5E128) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:42
It seems like everyone is adding a digital course to their arsenal of offerings these days. With tools like plug-and-play platforms and even courses on how to create your course, it's easier than ever to start earning se…
Jasmine Star was SO embarrassed to tell me this (S5E127) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:41
Growing your Instagram following can be tricky business. If you've ever struggled with your IG account, you know my guest is an expert on the platform: Jasmine Star! Jasmine is a law school dropout, turned photographer,…
How FB groups can be BIG trouble (S5E126) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:10
If you've been paying attention to Facebook over the last couple of years, you'll know that FB is making a big push for users to engage in groups. So, not surprisingly, FB groups have been popping up everywhere, whether…
Avoid losing your FB ads account (S5E125) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:39
If you rely on Facebook or Instagram ads to make sales in your business, losing your ads account is probably one of your biggest nightmares. A shut-down account could cripple your next launch and have a serious effect on…
DON'T run Facebook ads until you listen to this episode (S5E124) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:03
Facebook ads can seem like a mystery - it's no wonder there are people who have made a whole career out of helping others set up ads that work. Whether you're a seasoned social media ad user, or you're just starting to t…