Guest post written by Paige Griffith, J.D. of The Legal Paige

Every business owner knows that websites are essential to reaching customers, promoting products or services, and building brand visibility. What many business owners don’t know is that there are legal steps you need to take to protect your website and your business. It’s imperative that you protect your intellectual property and put people on notice for potential copyright infringement. So let’s get into the top 5 legal requirements for your website. 

1. Implementing Website Terms and Conditions 

Legally protecting your website starts with having comprehensive Website Terms and Conditions. This document serves as the legal framework governing users’ interactions with your website and the handling of their personal information. Website Terms and Conditions outline the rules and regulations that users must adhere to when accessing your site, covering aspects such as copyright notices, returns policies, and user responsibilities. 

2. A Privacy Policy is Essential When Collecting People’s Personal Information

A website privacy policy is a legal document that states how a company collects data from website users. A privacy policy should have descriptions of how your company processes personal data, how your company uses that data, and how that information is kept confidential. Every website that collects user data in some way (…which is almost every single website out there because you’re likely using Google Analytics, Facebook Pixels, or gathering their email addresses for your own newsletter list), MUST have a privacy policy under certain state privacy laws and the GDPR. 

3. Contracts for Digital Products on Your Website

If you’re selling any type of digital product on your website such as an e-book, guide, website template, social media templates, etc., you must have a digital product purchase and use agreement that customers agree to prior to checking out. Having a clear and comprehensive contract in place protects your work, explains your refund and exchange policy, notifies users that your digital products are copyrighted in case of infringement, and outlines the general terms of use for your customers. 

4. Protect Your Website Design

In the digital world, the risk of website design theft is ever-present. Registering your photos, website designs and website copy with the U.S. Copyright Office strengthens your legal standing and allows you to pursue legal action against infringers. In case of design infringement, initiating a DMCA takedown is the first step (which is emboldened with your copyright registration number), then you’d send a cease and desist letter, followed by potentially getting legal counsel involved and going through a lawsuit.

5. Legally Use Photos on Your Website 

If you use stock images anywhere on your website, you must obtain proper licensing agreements from the photographer who took the images. A licensing agreement outlines the terms of use for the images and ensures that both you, and the photographers are protected. Also, don’t forget to ensure that the photographer has a signed model release from anyone that is in the images. That way, you don’t have someone knocking at your door asking for you to take down the image of them.

By implementing these five legal requirements for your website, you can establish a solid legal foundation for your online presence. If you need any additional help protecting your business, check out The Legal Paige’s most-used Website Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy. The Legal Paige has you covered with a quick copy-and-paste into your website’s bottom footer! 

GET TLP WEBSITE PRIVACY POLICY HERE