Enforceable Online Contracts

If you own or operate a web site in which you want to create a legally binding contract with a web site user, I recommend you read this entitled “Enforceable Browse-Wrap Contracts.”

E-commerce is increasingly automated. In the past, Internet sites used “terms of use” agreements which include an Internet mechanism to affirm consent to be bound by the agreement (click-wrap). Increasingly, browse-wrap agreements are replacing click-wrap agreements.

Enforceable browse-wrap agreements have two factors in common. First, they include sufficient notice of the terms. Second, the actions of the Internet user clearly manifest acceptance of the terms.

Yahoo Not Liable for Improper Use of Woman’s Name

Bev Stayart sued Yahoo, but a federal court dismissed her complaint.  Bev claimed that she is the only person who uses her name on the internet.  She searched for her name at yahoo.com and altavista.com and found many spam sites offering to sell Cialis (and other related drugs) or that contained explicit banner ads for adultfriendfinder.com.  Bev Stayart sued Yahoo and Overture (former owner of altavista.com, which was acquired by Yahoo)  for false endorsement under the Lanham Act and violation of privacy.

Bev’s claims were barred by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act.

Section 230 grants interactive online services of all types, including news websites, blogs, forums, and listservs, broad immunity from certain types of legal liability stemming from content created by others.

Go to Top