Online & E-Commerce Legal services
At Jonathan Lea Network, we understand that running an e-commerce or online business as an SME brings exciting growth opportunities—and legal complexities. Our expert, accessible lawyers help you stay compliant, protect your brand, avoid risks, and scale confidently. We combine specialist knowledge, pro-active advice, great value, and a personable, responsive approach so you can focus on growing your business.
What We Help With: Key Legal Services for Online Businesses
Here are the main areas where SMEs selling online often need legal help, and how we assist:
| Area | What We Do / Where We Add Value |
| Business Structure & Registration | We advise on the right business form (sole trader, partnership, limited company), registering with Companies House and HMRC, choosing an official trade name, making sure all filings are compliant, and that protection from liability is optimised. This ensures your foundation is strong so that personal risk is limited and your business is ready for growth. |
| Website Terms, Privacy & Data Protection (GDPR / UK GDPR) | Developing bespoke Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policies, Cookie Policies, ensuring compliance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. We help you understand what “personal data” means, what consent must look like, how to respond to subject access requests, and how to handle data breaches. That way, you treat customers fairly and avoid regulatory penalties. |
| Consumer Rights, Refunds & Returns | Ensuring your online store or service meets obligations under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations, and other consumer protection laws. Setting up clear refund/return policies, making sure customers are informed before purchase, cooling-off periods, etc., helps prevent disputes, loss of reputation and fines. |
| Electronic Commerce Regulations & Online Information Requirements | Compliance with the Electronic Commerce (EC Directive) Regulations 2002: including what information must appear on your website (business name, address, registration number, VAT number if applicable), how contracts are formed online, disclaimers, etc. We ensure your site meets legal disclosure standards so that customers can trust you and regulators cannot challenge your operations. |
| Advertising, Marketing & Pricing Laws | Advising on advertising law, marketing ethics, promotions & discount rules, compliance with the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (including bans on “drip pricing,” fake reviews, hidden fees), rules around email/SMS marketing and spam laws, and PECR (Privacy & Electronic Communications Regulations). We help you promote with confidence without breaking the law. |
| Intellectual Property (IP) Protection | Trademark registration, protecting trade names, copyright, design rights, domain name disputes; ensuring you are not infringing others’ IP; licensing arrangements. We help you protect your brand and creative assets so you retain control and avoid costly litigation. |
| Contracts & Supplier / Vendor Agreements | Drafting and reviewing contracts: with suppliers, service providers, logistics / delivery partners, payment processors, hosting providers. Ensuring contract terms avoid hidden liability, set out performance obligations, data & confidentiality obligations. Good contracts help avoid misunderstandings, losses, or litigation. |
| International Sales & Cross-Border Issues | Advice on selling into the EU / outside UK / import & export law; dealing with VAT for overseas sales, customs, product safety, jurisdiction issues. If you aim to grow internationally, we help you navigate different laws so you don’t get caught out by barriers or penalties abroad. |
| Dispute Resolution & Liability Mitigation | Helping you plan for what happens if a customer complains, if a supplier fails, or if there’s a breach of contract or IP infringement. We assist with alternative dispute resolution, small claims, litigation if needed, to resolve issues with minimum disruption. We also advise on liability caps, disclaimers, insurance. |
Why It Matters: Risks, Goals & Fears We Address
When advising SMEs in e-commerce, we see certain recurring worries and aims. Here’s how we help.
- Fear of regulatory fines or penalties: New laws such as the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 impose serious penalties for hidden or sneaky fees, fake reviews, unfair business practices. We make sure your business follows the rules to avoid fines or enforcement.
- Fear of reputational damage: One bad customer experience due to unclear terms, data breach, or misleading marketing can cost trust. Clear, lawful contracts and transparent policies help you build and keep good reputation.
- Goal of scaling up safely: As you grow — more customers, selling overseas, more suppliers — the complexity rises. Our legal scaffolding supports growth without risking legal missteps.
- Fear of surprise costs or liability: Without well-written contracts, you may face unexpected liability (e.g. if a supplier fails, or a payment processor is hacked). We help you draft contracts that limit risk, set out responsibilities, and protect your business.
- Goal of being seen as professional and trustworthy: Clean legal compliance, transparent policies, IP protection all help customers trust you, help you win business, and help if you seek funding or investment.
What New / Recent UK Laws & Trends Mean for You
- Recent UK laws have tightened the rules for online businesses. Practices such as adding hidden charges at checkout, using fake reviews, or making it difficult for customers to cancel subscriptions are now banned. If you use a subscription model or add any fees later in the buying journey, your terms and processes may need updating.
- Stricter consumer protection enforcement: Regulators are now taking a tougher stance on transparency and fairness. This means your terms and conditions, refund and return policies, and marketing practices need to be crystal clear. The focus is on treating customers fairly at every stage of the buying process, from pricing to after-sales service.
- Data protection and privacy obligations: You are still required to handle customer information in line with the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act. This includes collecting and storing data securely, responding to customer requests about their data, and reporting any breaches promptly. Mismanaging personal information could put you at serious financial and reputational risk.
- Rules around advertising, cookies and tracking: Businesses must ensure that marketing is accurate and not misleading. Cookie banners and privacy notices must be straightforward and easy to understand, and customers must give valid consent for tracking. Getting this right is essential for building trust and avoiding penalties.
What Makes Jonathan Lea Network Different for Your SME
We ourselves are an SME business and believe SMEs deserve legal services that are expert, affordable, transparent and supportive.
- Tailored, commercially-focused advice: We do not use generic templates and one-size-fits-all. Our advice is shaped around your business model, your sector, your risk appetite.
- Team approach: You gain access to lawyers with different levels of seniority and specialisms – IP experts, commercial contract specialists, consumer law specialists – so your case is handled by the right people. Working collaboratively we ensure faster responses and better oversight.
- Fixed-fee and transparent pricing: Where possible, we offer fixed fee options so you know your legal costs up front; no “hidden extras.” We believe in value for money without compromising quality.
- Proactive and accessible support: We don’t wait till things go wrong. We anticipate risk, flag legal changes, suggest preventive measures. Also, we’re always approachable, communicating clearly (not in opaque legal jargon), keeping you informed.
- Local yet broad reach: Based in Sussex (Haywards Heath area), working with local SMEs, but our firm handles clients across the UK and internationally. So whether you’re selling locally or cross-border, we have both local insight and broad legal expertise. You get the best of both worlds.
How We Work With You: Process & What to Expect
Here’s how we typically support an online business, step-by-step:
- Initial consultation (no surprises)
We meet (in person / video / phone) to understand your business: product or service, customers, platform, current contracts or policies, growth plans. We identify immediate legal risks and longer-term issues. - Audit & review
We examine your existing policies, contracts, website terms, privacy notices, IP status, supply / vendor agreements, marketing practices. We flag gaps, compliance risks, and improvement areas. - Tailored legal documentation
Draft or revise your website terms, privacy/cookie policies, supplier contracts, IP registration, etc. Documents are written in clear, client-friendly language but legally strong. - Training / guidance & ongoing support
We explain to you and your team how to use the documents, best practices for handling data, dealing with customer complaints, marketing protocols. We monitor relevant law changes and advise updates. - Issue resolution
If things go wrong—dispute with customer, supplier breach, IP conflict—we guide you through resolution mechanism: negotiation, ADR, or litigation if necessary. Always with eyes on minimizing cost, reputational risk and time. - Growth & international scale advice
As you expand to new markets, sell overseas, or scale operations (e.g. via third-party platforms), we provide strategic advice on compliance with foreign laws, contracts, VAT, customs, and cross-border risk.
Typical Pricing & Value for Money
We appreciate that SMEs need legal services that deliver strong value. Although every project is unique, here are typical structures:
- Fixed-fee packages for standard work (e.g. drafting website terms, privacy policies, supplier contract templates). You know what you’ll pay in advance.
- Hourly rates for more complex or bespoke work (e.g. large contracts, litigation, cross-border regulatory risk), but with transparency (we’ll estimate total cost, keep you updated).
- Efficient use of senior / junior lawyer mix so that simpler tasks are handled more affordably, while senior oversight ensures quality and risk mitigation.
- Clear cost estimates and written engagement letters so there are never unwelcome surprises.
Ready to Act? What You Should Do Next
If you’re running or planning an e-commerce or online business as an SME, here’s how to get started:
- Collect your current legal documents: website terms, privacy/cookie policies, supplier contracts, marketing materials. Even if they are partial or out of date, they give us a base to work from.
- List your biggest concerns: Are you worried about data breaches, customer complaints, hidden fees, cross-border sales, IP protection?
- Contact Jonathan Lea Network for a free initial assessment: we’ll outline your main legal risks, what it would cost to fix them, and a plan to strengthen your legal foundation.
Why Choose Jonathan Lea Network Now
If you want legal work that protects your e-commerce business, supports your growth, and gives you peace of mind, here’s why Jonathan Lea Network is a strong choice:
- Deep commercial experience in working with SMEs, especially in digital / online business contexts.
- Strong local presence in Sussex combined with national/international capability.
- Transparent fees, fixed fee options, value for money while delivering expert, senior oversight.
- Highly proactive: we keep up with legal-market changes, and advise you before problems arise.
- Team ethos: you’ll deal with lawyers who listen, explain plainly, collaborate, who work together to get the best outcome, not pass you off to someone else.
Get Started Today
Don’t wait for problems to hit. A legal foundation that’s strong from the start lets you grow with confidence. Contact Jonathan Lea Network now for a free initial assessment — we’ll help you understand your biggest risks, what needs attention, and map out how we can protect and enhance your legal position, for fair cost and lasting value.
Call us at +44 (0)1444 708 640
Email: wewillhelp@jonathanlea.net
Or book an appointment via our website
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What is “drip pricing” and is it illegal?
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Drip pricing refers to adding fees or costs after the customer thinks they have seen the final price—for example, during checkout or in a pop-up. Under the new UK law (Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024), mandatory fees need to be included up front so that customers are not misled. If you use drip pricing, you risk enforcement by the Competition & Markets Authority, having to adjust your pricing and possibly pay penalties.
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Do I need a privacy policy if I’m only selling a few items on Etsy or a marketplace?
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Yes—even when using marketplaces, you are handling personal data (customer names, addresses, emails). You will still need to have clear privacy policies, ensure data collection is lawful, inform customers how you use their data, and ensure you comply with GDPR / UK GDPR. The marketplace’s terms may not cover your liabilities fully.
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How often do I need to update my legal documents?
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At least once every 12-18 months is wise, or sooner if there is a major legal change (e.g. new consumer protection laws, new data protection or privacy requirements). Also review whenever your business model changes (selling in new markets, new product lines, using subscriptions, etc.).
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What happens if a customer in another country raises a dispute with me?
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It depends on the contract terms you have, such as jurisdiction and governing law clauses. We can help you draft these to clarify which court or law applies. In many cases, ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) options may be required or advisable. Also, selling internationally may trigger additional regulations in the buyer’s country.
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Can I use a standard template for terms & conditions?
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While templates can help as a starting point, they often do not take account of your specific business risks, sector, or customer base. If not adapted properly, they may leave you exposed (liability, non-compliance, gaps). It is much safer to have documents drafted or reviewed by a solicitor so they reflect what you actually do.
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How much will it cost to sort out my legal compliance?
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That depends on how much work is needed: if you already have many of your policies in place and just need reviews and tweaks, cost will be lower. If you’re building from scratch, including IP protection or international expansion, the work is more. We’ll provide a clear quote up front so you can make an informed decision.
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However, please be aware that the free 20 minute call is at our discretion. If you are more looking for advice and guidance on an initial call, we may instead offer a one-hour fixed fee appointment instead.
Our fixed fee appointments are between £200 – £300 + 20% VAT (£240 – £360 inclusive of VAT) depending on the seniority of the solicitor taking the call.