Platform Terms & Policies
Drafting of terms of service, privacy policies, cookie policies, and other platform documentation meeting regulatory requirements.
E-Commerce & Digital Business Law
E-Commerce & Digital Business Law
Legal services for online businesses, digital platforms, and marketplace operations
Practice Overview
E-commerce and digital businesses in India operate within a regulatory framework that continues to evolve. The Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020 established specific obligations for online platforms and sellers, while data protection, IT regulations, and sector-specific requirements add additional compliance layers.
Our practice assists e-commerce platforms, online marketplaces, digital service providers, and online sellers in understanding and complying with applicable regulations. We provide practical guidance on platform documentation, seller agreements, consumer protection compliance, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
We address the intersection of e-commerce with intellectual property, data protection, and advertising regulations. This includes brand protection on marketplaces, privacy policy requirements, and compliance with advertising standards for digital marketing.
Service Offerings
Consumer Protection Compliance
Guidance on compliance with Consumer Protection Act, 2019 and E-Commerce Rules, 2020 including disclosure requirements, grievance mechanisms, and prohibited practices.
Marketplace Agreements
Drafting and review of seller/vendor agreements, onboarding documentation, and platform policies for marketplace operators.
E-Commerce Payment Documentation
Review and drafting of payment terms, refund policies, and escrow arrangements for e-commerce transactions. For regulatory filings with RBI or payment aggregator licensing, we recommend specialised fintech counsel.
Digital Advertising Compliance
Review of digital marketing practices against ASCI guidelines, Consumer Protection Rules on misleading advertisements, and influencer disclosure requirements.
Domain Name Disputes
Assistance with domain name disputes including INDRP and UDRP proceedings for cybersquatting and bad faith registrations.
Brand Protection on Platforms
Strategies for protecting trademarks on e-commerce platforms, counterfeit product takedowns, and marketplace brand registry enrollment.
Cross-Border E-Commerce
Guidance on legal requirements for cross-border online sales including FDI policy compliance, customs, and international consumer protection.
Key Regulations
Primary legal frameworks governing e-commerce in India.
Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020
Mandates disclosure of seller identity, product information, return policies, grievance officer appointment, and prohibits manipulation of prices or search results.
Consumer Protection Act, 2019
Establishes consumer rights, product liability provisions, and Central Consumer Protection Authority with powers to address unfair trade practices.
Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines) Rules, 2021
Due diligence requirements for intermediaries including grievance mechanisms, content takedown procedures, and significant social media intermediary obligations.
FDI Policy for E-Commerce
DIPP guidelines governing foreign investment in e-commerce, distinguishing marketplace and inventory models, and restricting platform influence over sellers.
Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules
Labeling and declaration requirements for products sold online including MRP, quantity, manufacturer details, and country of origin.
ASCI Guidelines for Digital Advertising
Advertising Standards Council guidelines on digital advertising, influencer disclosures, and social media marketing practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about our e-commerce and digital business legal services
We provide legal advisory for e-commerce businesses including:1) Platform terms and policy drafting2) Consumer protection compliance guidance3) Marketplace and seller agreements4) Digital advertising compliance review5) Domain name disputes6) Brand protection on platforms, and7) Cross-border e-commerce guidance. Our focus is on legal documentation and compliance advisory for online businesses.
No, our practice focuses on e-commerce law and IP matters. We assist with payment terms, refund policies, and commercial documentation for e-commerce transactions. For RBI payment aggregator licensing, NBFC registrations, or specialised fintech regulatory matters, we recommend engaging counsel with dedicated financial services regulatory expertise.
Yes, we draft comprehensive terms of service, privacy policies, cookie policies, and other platform documentation. We ensure these meet regulatory requirements under the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, IT Act provisions, and data protection laws, while being tailored to your specific business model and operations.
Key requirements include: displaying seller/business details prominently, providing clear product information including country of origin, displaying total prices, establishing grievance mechanisms with a designated Grievance Officer, avoiding unfair trade practices, and maintaining seller records. We help platforms implement compliant policies and documentation.
We assist brand owners with: enrolling in platform brand registry programmes, drafting takedown notices for counterfeit listings, filing IP infringement complaints, sending cease and desist notices to infringing sellers, and pursuing legal action where necessary. This integrates our IP expertise with e-commerce platform knowledge.
Yes, we handle domain name disputes including INDRP (India) and UDRP (international) proceedings for cybersquatting, typosquatting, and bad faith registrations. We also assist with domain name acquisitions and advise on domain portfolio strategies for brand protection.
Yes, we review digital marketing practices against ASCI guidelines and Consumer Protection Rules. This includes influencer disclosure requirements, advertisement labelling, and avoiding misleading claims. We help draft influencer agreements and brand partnership contracts with appropriate compliance provisions.
Under FDI policy, a marketplace model provides an IT platform connecting buyers and sellers without owning inventory, while an inventory-based model involves the e-commerce entity owning goods. This distinction affects FDI eligibility and platform restrictions. We advise on structuring arrangements to comply with applicable regulations.
Discuss Your E-Commerce & Digital Business Requirements
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We typically respond within 24-48 business hours.