So...your business is now mostly/all virtual?

Not only is it 2020 and technology is at the forefront of what we do, we are in the middle of a pandemic. Some of us were previously using electronic client databases, website memberships, and video conferencing/service delivery. Some of us were not at all. With health and safety concerns and orders from municipalities, in person meetings are few and far between. As you transition into a virtual (or more virtual) if you already were somewhat virtual business, you must think about several things. The purpose of this blog is to pinpoint those.

• Does my website have a terms of use and privacy policy that are not only personalized to my business but personalized to the service and product platforms and processes that I am using? 

• Since I am sharing my IP online/Zoom/Google Hangouts, do people listening own my IP? Can they share it? Have I communicated what they are allowed to do with it? 

• Do I need some sort of membership agreement? A use agreement that’s deeper than just my standard terms of use on my website? For example, should members have to login or upon joining have to check off that they agree to certain rules?

• Should I have a licensing agreement with people who want to use my materials? 

• Are my services opening the door to third parties talking to one another? What’s the difference between a facilitator and publisher? What grievance systems may I need in place? 

• Are there additional privacy concerns I should be concerned with for me, my company, and the clients? How can I prevent “Zoom bombing” and other similar issues?

• Should I use intellectual property protections like applying for copyright and trademark applications? Have I also checked to see if I am currently infringing on another’s intellectual property?

• Have I been given permission to record conversations or webinars or have I disclosed a recording will occur prior to recording?

I may be missing something, but these are the main questions you should ask yourself. If you need additional help, reach out to us to schedule a no cost 30 minute consult.