Well-designed Web sites can reach thousands of potential
customers, but they can also leave your company vulnerable. "I
call it `shark-infested cyberspace,' " says Nancy
James, principal of N.P. James Insurance Agency in Concord,
Massachusetts, and a specialist in cyberspace liability.
"There's insurance to protect you, but we're talking
about very expensive policies that might not protect you from every
risk."
If you have a Web site, James notes, you're technically
considered a publisher and are therefore liable for all the same
things as a major publisher, including being sued for plagiarism,
copyright infringement and libel. In addition, there are no
geographic boundaries on the Web, which can lead to potential
trademark risks. A business in Chicago with the same legal name as
a business in Atlanta never used to worry about customers confusing
the two. On the Web, however, these companies might end up suing
one another.
How can you protect yourself? James recommends that in addition
to beefing up your liability insurance, you should invest in a few
hours of legal advice before opening your online storefront. And
don't put up your Web site without including a rock-solid
disclaimer. Want to learn from a company that can afford the very
best in insurance and legal protection? Check out Microsoft's
online disclaimer at http://www.microsoft.com/misc/cpyright.htm
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