In practice, digital’s ability to transcend borders is part of its appeal. However, laws are grounded in a world that is defined with borders, and within them, ever-changing laws concerning data privacy, trade, transactions, IP, crypto currencies and more.
An organization’s digital platform is a bridge to its customers and, with it, an organization must confirm that it is not only compliant with e-commerce laws and regulations but also is protecting its interests as it contracts via its digital platform. EY’s integrated law and tax services are particularly critical as the tax and legal aspects of an online business are so entwined, and can help clients:
- Address consumer protection and competition laws as e-commerce capabilities develop and evolve
- Build the legal framework of an e-commerce business by drafting legal agreements for use online
- Protect digital intellectual property appropriately
- Facilitate compliance with global data privacy requirements for a digital business
- Advise on the contractual basis for contracting online, including preparation of user terms and conditions and use of digital signatures
- Assist with the contractual agreements required to get the client’s digital premises off the ground – including software licenses, website design agreements and R&D agreements.