E-Commerce Law & Policy

Volume: 12 Issue: 2
(February 2010)

News

The launch of the iPad, a tablet computer developed by Apple Inc. and launched on 27 January in San Francisco by Steve Jobs, Apple's Chief Executive Officer, has shaken up the technology and e-commerce industries. The iPad, which will be available on the market in March and has no camera or phone options, is said to change the landscape of the computing world. / read more

A working group mandated by the French Ministry of Culture released the Creation and Internet Report - the 'Zelnik Report' - on 7 January, advising on solutions to challenge illegal file sharing and encourage legal access to online material. / read more

The Italian Government is in the process of examining a Decree, which, if implemented, would compel Internet Service Providers to examine content deemed unsuitable for minors before it is uploaded on their platforms. Websites such as YouTube would have to monitor certain types of material ­ pornographic or violent, especially - or face fines of up to €150,000. The Decree would implement the 2007 Audiovisual Media Services Directive in Italy. / read more

Features

Research carried out by the Centre for Retail Research (CRR) has shown that Britons shop more online than other Europeans. UK customers spent around £38 billion on online websites last year. The recession did not seem to have hit the e-commerce industry too hard - in the UK alone, sales went up by 12% in 2009. Almost 10% of all retail sales in the country were made online - a large number, compared to a mere 2% European-wide. The second-largest market is Germany (£29.7 billion), and then France (£22 billion). / read more

UK Government launches data website
OFT launches new consumer contract study as report shows increased awareness
£500,000 fines for UK breaches of data protection, while Europe contemplates law reform
Dates For Your Diary / read more

The Australian Government has recently announced plans to implement an internet filtering scheme on 'refused classification' material. However, certain aspects of this project remain uncertain, notably in terms of scope and efficiency of the proposed measures. Karen Hayne, Partner at Addisons, looks at the potential changes these new 'censorship' measures will bring about on the Australian online world. / read more

The European Commission recently published guidance aimed at developing a common understanding of how the Directive on Unfair Commercial Practices (2005/49/EC) should be implemented across the EU. Ben Allgrove and Helen Giddings, Associates at Baker & McKenzie LLP, examine the guidance and some of the key implications the Directive might have for ecommerce businesses. / read more

Organisations are constantly looking for solutions to optimise and rationalise the way they process and store information, going as far as externalising some of their communication infrastructures. Simon Briskman, a Partner at Field Fisher Waterhouse, examines how companies are proceeding to conduct their business in the midst of a 'cloud' of networks and information systems. / read more

Adjusting national copyright legislations in the EU was essential for right holders to be granted similar levels of online protection for their works. The WIPO Copyright Treaties were intended for that purpose and for the development of legal e-commerce in Europe. Sébastien Lardinoit, Associate at Olswang LLP, examines how the EU has gone about integrating WIPO legislation and online commerce. / read more

Advertising on the internet has become the most effective way of targeting any given audience. However, it also raises many data protection and security issues, particularly in the context of behavioural advertising. Nick Stringer, Head of Regulatory Affairs at the UK Internet Advertising Bureau, examines how online advertising works and how it can be channelled to be used in the most secure way. / read more

Brand owners need to be relentlessly innovative to keep attracting customers in an industry which is more competitive than ever. John Mackenzie, Partner at Pinsent Masons, discusses which challenges online brands face to keep up with a constantly dynamic environment. / read more

Freedom of expression: Gary Flood v Times Newspapers Ltd
Patents: Gemstar-TV v Virgin Media Limited
E-marketing: Email marketing in Germany / read more

Recent Searches:
telephone   osborne clarke   communications bill   twitter   nominet   paypal   Developments in intermediary liability   Olswang   Burges   defamation  

Popular Searches:
markmonitor   ireland   Ireland   ireland   uspto   uspto   latss   latss   office of fair trading   office of fair trading  

About E-Commerce Law & Policy:

The monthly law journal giving authoratitive insights into all aspects of e-commerce law and regulations affecting online business, including domain names, Intellectual property, copyrights, online advertising, behavourial advertising, cloud computing, net neutrality, privacy, cybercrime, social media, trademarks, online sales, licensing and software / read more