When you are faced with electronic commerce issues, an attorney who has regularly advised and represented clients in Internet business and e-commerce matters can help you to achieve a cost-effective and timely resolution. To learn more about our legal services, contact our firm to schedule a consultation with an experienced attorney.
Thank you for contacting Erik S. Syverson. Your message has been sent.
Call us now
or use the form below.
Frequently Asked Questions about Internet Business and E-Commerce
Q: What is a domain name?
A: A domain name is a combination of letters and/or numbers that identifies a Web site. The domain name is the equivalent of an Internet host address (Internet Protocol (IP) numbers). Domain names have three parts, which are separated by dots. For example, the address www.findlaw.com has three parts: “www” is the host name or subdomain; “findlaw” is the second level domain; and “.com” is the top-level domain.
Q: What is a trademark?
A: The term trademark includes any word, name, symbol or device, or any combination thereof used by a person or intended to be used in commerce to identify and distinguish his or her goods, including a unique product, from those manufactured or sold by others and to indicate the source of the goods, even if that source is unknown. 15 U.S.C. §1127.
Internet Business and E-Commerce - An Overview
Internet law is evolving quickly as the Internet's usage continues to expand. E-commerce refers to all forms of business activities that are conducted electronically or over the Internet. Some of the more important issues in this area include domain names, trademark issues, jurisdictional concerns and copyright protection. An Internet law attorney at Erik S. Syverson in Los Angeles, California can assist with all legal issues related to Internet business and e-commerce.
Domain Names
One of the first steps in setting up an Internet business is selecting a domain name. A domain name is basically the address for your business's Web site and it allows Internet users to find and access your Web page. If you have an existing business, it makes sense to select that name, the name of a product or service you provide or something similar for your domain name, if available. A search of existing domain names and trademarks should be done to make sure that the desired domain name is available. An attorney can help you select an appropriate and non-infringing domain name and set up your e-commerce business.
Trademarks and the Internet
Trademark laws allow businesses to protect their brands and reputation. They also protect consumers who have come to rely on a company's products and reputation. A trademark gives a consumer confidence in the product and lets the consumer know what he or she is buying. There are several trademark issues that can affect Internet businesses. An attorney can assist your business with Internet-related trademark issues.
Jurisdiction over Internet Businesses
If a court has the power to render a judgment against a person or business, it is said to have jurisdiction over that person or business. Generally, if a company has a store or office in a particular state or undertakes business activities in that state, the court in that forum will have personal jurisdiction over that company. Whether a court has jurisdiction over an Internet business is a bit more complicated. An Internet business is "located" on the Web, is theoretically available to users worldwide and "activity" within a forum is difficult to define with respect to Internet usage. An attorney at Erik S. Syverson in Los Angeles, California can answer your questions about jurisdiction over Internet businesses.
Internet Copyright Issues
Copyright is a form of protection provided by federal law (Title 17 of the US Code) to authors of “original works of authorship,” including literary, dramatic, musical, artistic and certain other intellectual works. Entering into an Internet business raises several copyright issues. If you have questions about copyright law, talk to an attorney.
Internet Business and E-Commerce Resource Links
Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers
ICANN is a non-profit corporation that was formed to control Internet domain name management.
Internet Network Information Center ("InterNIC")
This site provides public information regarding Internet domain name registration services. It includes links to ICANN-accredited domain name registrars.
US Department of Commerce
US federal department that promotes and administers domestic and foreign trade.
US Patent and Trademark Office ("USPTO")
US federal agency that examines and issues patents and examines and registers trademarks.
Lanham Act
Section of the US Code dealing with trademarks, provided by Cornell University Law School.
