Introduction to Legal Issues in Electronic Commerce

1
Introduction to Legal Issues in Electronic
Commerce
2
Overview

• Background on E-Commerce and Globalization
• Advantages and Disadvantages
• E-Cash- what is it, and is it good?
• Jurisdiction problems
• Ethical issues

3
On the Internet, no one knows youre a dog!
4
E-Commerce Background

• Destined to be the primary method of purchasing
  many items
• Examples eBay and eTrade
• Adaptation requires think globally, act
  locally
• Coke, Baby Food, Chevy Nova, Japan packaging
  examples

5
E-Commerce s and -s

• Easy, no intermediary so lower cost
• Price comparison easier
• No gas, faster, store always open, setup costs
  lower, lower infrastructure needs_
• -
• Cant touch item
• Fraud concerns
• Must have a credit card (now)

6
Electronic Cash

• Advantages
• Hard to forge
• Light, cheaper to print, totally fungible
• Disadvantages
• People uncomfortable with technology
• Acceptance spotty
• Investment costs

7
Jurisdiction on the Internet

• Definition
• Personal jurisdiction
• Subject-matter jurisdiction
• Long arm statutes
• Minimum contacts

8
Ethical issues in E-Commerce

• Deceptive trade practices
• Intellectual property violations
• Product disparagement
• Privacy concerns resulting from consumer taste
  tracking
• RealJukebox