E499: Navigating the Legal Aspects of E-commerce

Mike interviews ecommerce lawyer Steven Weigler, who shares his expert knowledge on the legal aspects of starting, growing, and exiting an e-commerce business. We delve into the importance of legal protection, due diligence, and having the right processes in place for e-commerce businesses.    Topics covered include intellectual property, privacy policies, product packaging, and governance, as well as the challenges faced by entrepreneurs and the value of having a skilled lawyer by your side.    I wanted to get Steven on today to help listeners learn how to avoid potential issues that can negatively impact the value of their businesses and delay the sale process.   Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 00:25 - Steven's background in law and entrepreneurship, and the role of lawyers in e-commerce businesses 01:58 - Legal aspects and the importance of a clean legal strategy for e-commerce businesses 03:48 - Legal pitfalls to avoid and the significance of trademarks 07:23 - Key elements for developing a legal strategy, such as intellectual property and privacy policies 13:12 - Understanding different business stages and appropriate legal operations 14:19 - Importance of building a strong relationship with an attorney 16:24 - Clearing your brand name to avoid future costly issues 19:15 - Navigating business divorces and the need for proper governance 20:53 - Legal protection and good processes for e-commerce businesses in larger deals 25:47 - Mitigating risks and challenges in e-commerce through a good lawyer and a strong network 28:20 - Preparing for inevitable legal issues in business 29:51 - Steven Weigler's law firm, Emerge Console, and resources on LinkedIn   This podcast episode features valuable legal advice and strategies provided by Steven Weigler to help e-commerce businesses succeed and avoid costly legal problems.    By engaging a lawyer early on, maintaining a clean legal strategy, and being proactive in legal matters, entrepreneurs can better position their companies for potential exit events or acquisitions.    Furthermore, understanding the legal aspects and due diligence processes required to protect their business value can enable business owners to implement a strategic approach to intellectual property, privacy policies, product packaging, and governance, minimizing potential issues and maximizing their value during the sale process.   This episode serves as a valuable resource for e-commerce entrepreneurs seeking to strengthen their legal foundation and safeguard their businesses.