{"id":181079,"date":"2023-05-18T10:42:13","date_gmt":"2023-05-18T09:42:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/?p=181079"},"modified":"2026-01-22T15:03:21","modified_gmt":"2026-01-22T15:03:21","slug":"five-common-legal-issues-facing-uk-ecommerce-businesses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/ecommerce-online-business\/five-common-legal-issues-facing-uk-ecommerce-businesses\/","title":{"rendered":"Five Common Legal Issues Facing UK eCommerce Businesses"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

eCommerce has become an increasingly popular way to do business in the UK. 87% of UK consumers shop online in 2020.  With this growth comes new challenges and legal issues that eCommerce business owners must know to operate successfully.  Running an eCommerce business can be a great way to reach a large audience and make sales without needing a physical store. But it has its challenges<\/a>. This article will discuss five common legal issues UK eCommerce business owners face, so your company can tackle them successfully.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n \"Front\n
\n
Due Diligence Guide For Purchasing a UK Business<\/div>\n
\n

Considering purchasing a UK business? Download this free guide for practical tips on conducting due diligence and reducing risks.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n\nDownload Now<\/a> <\/section>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n

Data Protection and Privacy Rules<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Data protection and privacy compliance are critical legal issues for eCommerce business owners in the UK.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the implementation of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in 2018, companies must be transparent about the personal data they collect from customers and how they use it.  They must also obtain explicit consent from customers before collecting any data.  Failing to do so can result in fines of up to \u00a317.5m from the<\/span> Information Commissioner\u2019s Office (ICO)<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

To tackle this issue, eCommerce business owners should ensure their websites are fully GDPR compliant. Their websites should also contain a suitable Privacy Policy.  This means clearly outlining your data collection policies and providing a way for customers to opt-out.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your business should also have a straightforward process for handling and protecting customers’ personal information. This should include a robust data protection policy and ensuring that your staff understand the importance of privacy rules.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Intellectual Property (IP) Infringement<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

IP infringement is a common legal issue facing UK eCommerce business owners.  This can include infringements relating to copyright, trademarks and patents.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is vital to ensure that your company does not infringe on the intellectual property rights of others, as this can lead to expensive lawsuits and damage to its reputation.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

To tackle this issue, you should ensure that your website does not contain the IP of any other party.  This can involve conducting regular reviews to ensure your website, product names, and descriptions do not infringe on any existing copyrights or trademarks.  Additionally, your company should consider registering its own trademarks to protect its brand.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n Continue reading this article below the form\n <\/i>\n<\/a>\n

\n
\n Need legal advice?\n
\n \n Call 0808 196 8584<\/a> for urgent assistance.\n
\n Otherwise, complete this form, and we will contact you within one business day.\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n\n \n\n
\n