Full question:
I will be selling goods on a website and want to be legally protected. What kind of terms and conditions policy do I need in place to be protected? The website will also be taking submissions from viewers to post audio stories on the site. What do I need in place to protect me from people posting material that might not legally be their story?
- Category: Internet
- Date:
- State: California
Answer:
Creating a website involves various legal considerations. When selling goods online, you need to establish terms and conditions that protect your business and inform customers of their rights and responsibilities. This includes policies on payment, shipping, returns, and customer data security.
Since your website will allow users to submit audio stories, it's crucial to have a clear policy regarding user-generated content. This should include:
- Procedures for users to certify they have the right to share their material.
- Disclaimers about the publication of user content.
- Processes for removing content that violates copyright or is otherwise inappropriate.
Additionally, consider implementing a licensing agreement for the content submitted, which allows you to use it as needed. If a copyright claim arises, the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) provides guidelines for website owners on how to respond and protect themselves from liability.
Forming a corporation can also provide personal liability protection, separating your personal assets from business liabilities. It's advisable to consult a local attorney to review your specific situation and ensure all legal aspects are covered.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.