• Areas of expertise
  • |
  • About me
  • |
  • Principles as a lawyer
  • Tel: 03322 5078053
  • |
  • info@itmedialaw.com
ITMediaLaw - Rechtsanwalt Marian Härtel
  • en English
  • de Deutsch
  • About lawyer Marian Härtel
    • About lawyer Marian Härtel
      • Ideal partner
      • About lawyer Marian Härtel
      • Video series – about me
      • Why a lawyer and business consultant?
      • Principles as a lawyer
      • Focus on start-ups
      • Nerd und Rechtsanwalt
      • Ideal partner
      • How can I help clients?
    • Über die Kanzlei
      • How clients benefit from my network of colleagues, partners and service providers
      • Quick and flexible access
      • Agile and lean law firm
      • Team: Saskia Härtel – WHO AM I?
      • Price overview
    • How can I help clients?
    • Sonstige Informationen
      • Einwilligungen widerrufen
      • Privatsphäre-Einstellungen ändern
      • Historie der Privatsphäre-Einstellungen
      • Privacy policy
    • Testimonials
    • Imprint
  • Leistungen
    • Focus areas of attorney Marian Härtel
      • Support with the foundation
      • Games law consulting
      • Advice in e-commerce
      • Support and advice of agencies
      • Legal advice in corporate law: from incorporation to structuring
      • Legal compliance and expert opinions
      • Streamers and influencers
      • Cryptocurrencies, Blockchain and Games
      • Outsourcing – for companies or law firms
    • Arbeitsschwerpunkte
      • Games and esports law
        • Esports. What is it?
      • Corporate law
      • IT/IP Law
      • Consulting for influencers and streamers
        • Influencer & Streamer
      • Contract review and preparation
      • DLT and Blockchain consulting
        • Blockchain Overview
      • Investment advice
      • AI and SaaS
  • Artikel/News
    • Langartikel / Guides
    • Law and computer games
    • Law and Esport
    • Law on the Internet
    • Blockchain and web law
    • Online retail
    • Data protection Law
    • Copyright
    • Competition law
    • Copyright
    • EU law
    • Law on the protection of minors
    • Labour law
    • Tax
    • Kanzlei News
    • Other
  • Videos/Podcasts
    • Videos
    • Podcast
      • ITMediaLaw Podcast
      • ITMediaLaw Kurz-Podcast
  • Knowledge base
  • Contact
Kurzberatung
  • About lawyer Marian Härtel
    • About lawyer Marian Härtel
      • Ideal partner
      • About lawyer Marian Härtel
      • Video series – about me
      • Why a lawyer and business consultant?
      • Principles as a lawyer
      • Focus on start-ups
      • Nerd und Rechtsanwalt
      • Ideal partner
      • How can I help clients?
    • Über die Kanzlei
      • How clients benefit from my network of colleagues, partners and service providers
      • Quick and flexible access
      • Agile and lean law firm
      • Team: Saskia Härtel – WHO AM I?
      • Price overview
    • How can I help clients?
    • Sonstige Informationen
      • Einwilligungen widerrufen
      • Privatsphäre-Einstellungen ändern
      • Historie der Privatsphäre-Einstellungen
      • Privacy policy
    • Testimonials
    • Imprint
  • Leistungen
    • Focus areas of attorney Marian Härtel
      • Support with the foundation
      • Games law consulting
      • Advice in e-commerce
      • Support and advice of agencies
      • Legal advice in corporate law: from incorporation to structuring
      • Legal compliance and expert opinions
      • Streamers and influencers
      • Cryptocurrencies, Blockchain and Games
      • Outsourcing – for companies or law firms
    • Arbeitsschwerpunkte
      • Games and esports law
        • Esports. What is it?
      • Corporate law
      • IT/IP Law
      • Consulting for influencers and streamers
        • Influencer & Streamer
      • Contract review and preparation
      • DLT and Blockchain consulting
        • Blockchain Overview
      • Investment advice
      • AI and SaaS
  • Artikel/News
    • Langartikel / Guides
    • Law and computer games
    • Law and Esport
    • Law on the Internet
    • Blockchain and web law
    • Online retail
    • Data protection Law
    • Copyright
    • Competition law
    • Copyright
    • EU law
    • Law on the protection of minors
    • Labour law
    • Tax
    • Kanzlei News
    • Other
  • Videos/Podcasts
    • Videos
    • Podcast
      • ITMediaLaw Podcast
      • ITMediaLaw Kurz-Podcast
  • Knowledge base
  • Contact
ITMediaLaw - Rechtsanwalt Marian Härtel
Home Online retail

E-commerce law: legally compliant design of online stores for the self-employed

10. October 2024
in Online retail
Reading Time: 4 mins read
0 0
A A
0
E-commerce law: legally compliant design of online stores for the self-employed
Key Facts
  • The legal framework for online stores in Germany is regulated by laws such as the BGB, TMG and GDPR.
  • An imprint must provide complete details of the store operator, according to § 5 TMG.
  • Retailers are obliged to fulfill information obligations clearly and comprehensibly before the order is placed.
  • A right of withdrawal of 14 days must be provided, in accordance with § 355 BGB.
  • The button solution requires the order button to be clearly marked with "order with obligation to pay".
  • The General Data Protection Regulation must be strictly adhered to, including a privacy policy.
  • Regular reviews of legal compliance are essential for self-employed persons in order to minimize risks.

Creating an online store offers self-employed people enormous opportunities, but also harbors numerous legal pitfalls. A legally compliant design is not only required by law, but is also crucial for building customer trust and avoiding costly warnings. This article highlights the most important legal aspects that self-employed people need to consider when designing their online store.

Content Hide
1. Legal framework for online stores
2. Key legal requirements
3. Special challenges for the self-employed
4. Practical tips for the self-employed

Legal framework for online stores

The legal framework for online stores in Germany comprises various laws and regulations, including:

  1. German Civil Code (BGB), in particular the provisions on distance selling law (Sections 312c et seq. BGB)
  2. Telemedia Act (TMG)
  3. Price Indication Ordinance (PAngV)
  4. Packaging Act (VerpackG)
  5. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Federal Data Protection Act (BDSG)
  6. Unfair Competition Act (UWG)

Key legal requirements

  1. Imprint
    A complete and easily accessible imprint is mandatory according to § 5 TMG. It must contain the following information:
    • Name and address of the store operator
    • Contact options (e-mail, telephone)
    • Commercial register entry (if available)
    • Sales tax identification number (if available)
  1. Information obligations
    Online retailers must provide comprehensive information before an order is placed, including
    • Essential characteristics of the goods or services
    • Total price including all taxes and duties
    • Terms of payment, delivery and service
    • Existence of a statutory right to liability for defects

This information must be provided in a clear, comprehensible and prominent manner (Section 312d (1) BGB in conjunction with Art. 246a EGBGB).

  1. Cancellation policy
    Consumers generally have a 14-day right of withdrawal for distance selling contracts (Section 355 BGB). The cancellation policy must be in a clear and comprehensible form and comply with the statutory model specifications.
  2. Button solution
    The so-called button solution (Section 312j (3) BGB) requires that the order button is clearly labeled with the words “order with obligation to pay” or an equivalent wording.
  3. General Terms and Conditions
    General Terms and Conditions (GTC) must be made available before the contract is concluded and must not contain any surprising or unreasonably disadvantageous clauses (Sections 305 et seq. BGB).
  4. Data protection
    The processing of personal data must be GDPR-compliant. This includes:
    • Provision of a privacy policy
    • Obtaining effective consent where necessary
    • Implementation of technical and organizational measures for data protection
  1. Price information
    Prices must be clearly assigned to the product, easily recognizable and clearly legible in accordance with the Price Indication Ordinance. The total price including VAT and other price components must be stated.
  2. Product labeling
    Certain products require special labeling, e.g. textiles (Textile Labeling Act) or electrical appliances (Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act).

Special challenges for the self-employed

  1. Dynamic legal situation
    E-commerce law is constantly evolving. Self-employed persons must regularly check and adapt their online stores for legal compliance.
  2. International customers
    When selling abroad, additional legal requirements must be observed, particularly in the area of international private law and tax law.
  3. Product liability
    Online retailers are liable for the safety of the products they sell. This requires careful selection of suppliers and quality controls.
  4. Copyright and trademark law
    Copyright and trademark rights of third parties must be observed when designing the online store and the product presentation.

Practical tips for the self-employed

  1. Legal advice: Invest in sound legal advice when creating your online store. The costs for this are generally lower than potential warning costs.
  2. Use of legal texts: Use professionally created and up-to-date legal texts (general terms and conditions, privacy policy, withdrawal policy). Pre-prepared texts from the Internet are often outdated or incomplete.
  3. Regular review: Implement a process for regularly reviewing and updating your legal texts and store functions.
  4. Documentation: Carefully document all legally relevant aspects of your online store, including obtaining consent and providing information.
  5. Training: regularly undergo further training in e-commerce law to stay up to date.
  6. Shipping and logistics: Make sure your shipping and returns processes are legally compliant.
  7. Customer service: Establish effective customer service to resolve complaints and problems quickly and in a customer-friendly manner.
  8. Technical implementation: Make sure that your online store is technically implemented in such a way that it meets all legal requirements (e.g. correct display on mobile devices, secure data transfer).

The legally compliant design of an online store may initially appear to be a complex challenge for self-employed people. However, careful implementation of the legal requirements forms the basis for successful and trustworthy online trading. By creating a legally compliant online store, self-employed people can not only minimize legal risks, but also strengthen the trust of their customers and position themselves positively in a competitive environment.

In view of the complexity and constant development of e-commerce law, it is advisable for self-employed persons to keep up to date with the latest legal developments and to seek expert legal support if necessary.

Tags: AGBBeratungButtonCancellation policyCompetitionDevelopmentE‑mailGDPRGeneral Data Protection RegulationGeneral Terms and ConditionsGermanyinternetLaw against Unfair CompetitionLawsLegal requirementsMailPrivacyrightSicherheitTrademarksTrainingUrheberrechtUwgVat

Beliebte Beträge

Automated pricing and dynamic pricing in e-commerce

automatisierte preisgestaltung und dynamic pricing im ee28091commerce 1
2. April 2025

In the digital economy, automated pricing and dynamic pricing strategies are now part of everyday life. Whether for online shopping,...

Read moreDetails

Cancellation buttons in focus: a recent ruling and its impact on online retail

abmahnung
8. February 2025

I have already reported several times on the requirements for unsubscribe buttons. This topic is particularly important for SaaS providers...

Read moreDetails

Internationalization of SaaS products

9f8d6fee06ef9f57635cfc2792644595
9. November 2024

International expansion is a natural growth step for many SaaS start-ups. However, entering new markets brings with it complex legal...

Read moreDetails

Avoid legal pitfalls when founding an online start-up

Avoid legal pitfalls when founding an online start-up
10. October 2024

Founding an online start-up requires not only entrepreneurial skill, but also a solid legal foundation. Company founders are confronted with...

Read moreDetails

Cancellation button must be possible without login

Online services: Don’t forget the cancellation button!
24. September 2024

In its final judgment of 30.07.2024 (Ref. 3 U 2214/23), the Nuremberg Higher Regional Court made important clarifications regarding the...

Read moreDetails

When is the contract concluded in the online store or with SaaS services

2b14342543cc4e965f96a23212cffb88
26. June 2024

The time of the conclusion of the contract in online stores and for SaaS services is for providers of largehe...

Read moreDetails

Prepayment in the online store: Attention to your own terms and conditions

GTCs are not invalid solely because of their length!
14. June 2024

As a lawyer specializing in IT law and contract law, I regularly draft general terms and conditions for various SaaS...

Read moreDetails

ECJ: Online order button also mandatory if consumer only enters into payment obligation under one condition

Lego brick still protected as a design patent
31. May 2024

Online orders: The order button or the corresponding function must clearly indicate that the consumer enters into a payment obligation...

Read moreDetails

LG Berlin on the essential characteristics of goods when selling T-shirts online

wegweisendes urteil zu ki trainingsdaten lg hamburg setzt massstaebe
22. January 2024

For esports teams and influencers who are active in online retail and regularly offer merchandise such as T-shirts and hoodies,...

Read moreDetails

5.0 60 reviews

  • Avatar Mikael Hällgren ★★★★★ vor einem Monat
    I got fantastic support from Marian Härtel. He managed to get my wrongfully suspended Instagram account restored. He was … Mehr incredibly helpful the whole way until the positive outcome. Highly recommended!
  • Avatar Lennart Korte ★★★★★ vor 2 Monaten
    Ich kann Herrn Härtel als Anwalt absolut weiterempfehlen! Sein Service ist erstklassig – schnelle Antwortzeiten, effiziente … Mehr Arbeit und dabei sehr kostengünstig, was für Startups besonders wichtig ist. Er hat für mein Startup einen Vertrag erstellt, und ich bin von seiner professionellen und zuverlässigen Arbeit überzeugt. Klare Empfehlung!
  • Avatar R.H. ★★★★★ vor 3 Monaten
    Ich kann Hr. Härtel nur empfehlen! Er hat mich bei einem Betrugsversuch einer Krypto Börse rechtlich vertreten. Ich bin sehr … Mehr zufrieden mit seiner engagierten Arbeit gewesen. Ich wurde von Anfang an kompetent, fair und absolut transparent beraten. Trotz eines zähen Verfahrens und einer großen Börse als Gegner, habe ich mich immer sicher und zuversichtlich gefühlt. Auch die Schnelligkeit und die sehr gute Erreichbarkeit möchte ich an der Stelle hoch loben und nochmal meinen herzlichsten Dank aussprechen! Daumen hoch mit 10 Sternen!
  • Avatar P! Galerie ★★★★★ vor 4 Monaten
    Herr Härtel hat uns äusserst kompetent in einen lästigen Fall mit META betreut. Er war effizient, beharrlich, aber auch mit … Mehr uns geduldig. Menschlich top, bis wir am Ende Dank ihm erfolgreich zum Ziel gekommen sind. Können wir wärmstens empfehlen. Und nochmals danke. P.H.
  • Avatar Mosaic Mask Studio ★★★★★ vor 5 Monaten
    Die Kanzlei ist immer ein verlässlicher Partner bei der Sichtung und Bearbeitung von Verträgen in der IT Branche. Es ist … Mehr stets ein professioneller Austausch auf Augenhöhe.
    Die Ergebnisse sind auf hohem Niveau und haben die interessen unsers Unternehmens immer bestmöglich wiedergespiegelt.
    Vielen Dank für die sehr gute Zusammenarbeit.
  • Avatar Philip Lucas ★★★★★ vor 8 Monaten
    Wir haben Herrn Härtel für unser Unternehmen konsultiert und sind äußerst zufrieden mit seiner Arbeit. Von Anfang an hat … Mehr er einen überaus kompetenten Eindruck gemacht und sich als ein sehr angenehmer Gesprächspartner erwiesen. Seine fachliche Expertise und seine verständliche und zugängliche Art im Umgang mit komplexen Themen haben uns überzeugt. Wir freuen uns auf eine langfristige und erfolgreiche Zusammenarbeit!
  • Avatar Doris H. ★★★★★ vor 10 Monaten
    Herr Härtel hat uns bezüglich eines Telefonvertrags beraten und vertreten. Wir waren mit seinem Service sehr zufrieden. Er … Mehr hat stets schnell auf unsere E-mails und Anrufe reagiert und den Sachverhalt einfach und verständlich erklärt. Wir würden Herrn Härtel jederzeit wieder beauftragen.Vielen Dank für die hervorragende Unterstützung
  • Avatar Philipp Skaar ★★★★★ vor 8 Monaten
    Als kleines inhabergeführtes Hotel sehen wir uns ab und dann (bei sonst weit über dem Durchschnitt liegenden Bewertungen) … Mehr der Herausforderung von aus der Anonymität heraus agierenden "Netz-Querulanten" gegenüber gestellt. Herr Härtel versteht es außerordentlich spür- und feinsinnig, derartige - oftmals auf Rufschädigung ausgerichtete - Bewertungen bereits im Keim, also außergerichtlich, zu ersticken und somit unseren Betrieb vor weiteren Folgeschäden zu bewahren. Seine Umsetzungsgeschwindigkeit ist beeindruckend, seine bisherige Erfolgsquote = 100%.Ergo: Unsere erste Adresse zur Abwehr von geschäftsschädigenden Angriffen aus dem Web.
  • ●
  • ●
  • ●
  • ●

Video-Galerie

What has changed in my market?
What has changed in my market?
Podcasts and the law: essential tips for content creators
Podcasts and the law: essential tips for content creators
Legally compliant contract drafting with game artists and freelancers
Legally compliant contract drafting with game artists and freelancers
0a33de40 2ae4 401e 98dc b0d021b16861 204222195

Revenue-Based Financing

29. March 2025

Definition and function of revenue-based financing Revenue-based financing is an innovative form of financing in which companies receive capital from...

Read moreDetails
iStock 1405433207 scaled

Legal guide to a successful startup investment

15. December 2024
15a709c0 6010 4f76 ac22 64fa52191622 204239877

Arrest

29. March 2025
Work (copyright)

Work (copyright)

28. June 2023
Age verification systems (AVS)

Age verification systems (AVS)

16. October 2024

Podcast Folgen

Globale Herausforderungen für Startups – Ein rechtlicher Leitfaden

Globale Herausforderungen für Startups – Ein rechtlicher Leitfaden

2. October 2024

Dieser informative Podcast bietet einen umfassenden Einblick in die rechtlichen Herausforderungen, denen sich Startups bei ihrer internationalen Expansion gegenübersehen. Der...

KI im Rechtssystem: Auf dem Weg in eine digitale Zukunft der Justiz

KI im Rechtssystem: Auf dem Weg in eine digitale Zukunft der Justiz

13. October 2024

In dieser faszinierenden Podcastfolge tauchen wir tief in die Welt der künstlichen Intelligenz (KI) und ihre Auswirkungen auf unser Rechtssystem...

7c0b449a651fe0b81e5eec2e23515012 2

Urheberrecht im Digitalen Zeitalter

22. December 2024

In dieser aufschlussreichen knapp 20-minütigen Podcast-Episode von und mit mir wird das komplexe Thema des Urheberrechts im digitalen Zeitalter beleuchtet....

KI im Recht: Chancen, Risiken und Regulierung – der IT Media Law Podcast Episode 3

KI im Recht: Chancen, Risiken und Regulierung – der IT Media Law Podcast Episode 3

28. August 2024

Willkommen zur dritten Episode unseres Podcasts "IT Media Law"! In dieser Folge tauchen wir ein in die faszinierende Welt der...

  • Home
  • Imprint
  • Privacy policy
  • Terms
  • Agile and lean law firm
  • Ideal partner
  • Contact
  • Videos
Marian Härtel, Rathenaustr. 58a, 14612 Falkensee, info@itmedialaw.com

Marian Härtel - Rechtsanwalt für IT-Recht, Medienrecht und Startups, mit einem Fokus auf innovative Geschäftsmodelle, Games, KI und Finanzierungsberatung.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
  • Contact
  • Leistungen
    • Support with the foundation
    • Focus areas of attorney Marian Härtel
    • Consulting for influencers and streamers
    • Advice in e-commerce
    • DLT and Blockchain consulting
    • Games law consulting
    • Support and advice of agencies
    • Legal advice in corporate law: from incorporation to structuring
    • Cryptocurrencies, Blockchain and Games
    • Investment advice
    • Booking as speaker
    • Legal compliance and expert opinions
    • Legal advice in corporate law: from incorporation to structuring
    • Contract review and preparation
  • About lawyer Marian Härtel
    • About lawyer Marian Härtel
    • Agile and lean law firm
    • Focus on start-ups
    • Principles as a lawyer
    • The everyday life of an IT lawyer
    • How can I help clients?
    • Why a lawyer and business consultant?
    • Focus on start-ups
    • How can I help clients?
    • Team: Saskia Härtel – WHO AM I?
    • Testimonials
    • Imprint
  • Videos
    • Video series – about me
    • Information videos – about Marian Härtel
    • Videos on services
    • Blogpost – individual videos
    • Shorts
    • Third-party videos
    • Podcast format
    • Other videos
  • Knowledge base
  • Podcast
  • Blogposts
    • Lange Artikel / Ausführungen
    • Law on the Internet
    • Online retail
    • Law and computer games
    • Law and Esport
    • Blockchain and web law
    • Data protection Law
    • Labour law
    • EU law
    • Corporate
    • Competition law
    • Copyright
    • Tax
    • Internally
    • Other
  • en English
  • de Deutsch
Kostenlose Kurzberatung