Source: https://www.gabler-hendel.de/en/it-recht/
Timestamp: 2019-04-25 04:12:14+00:00

Document:
Whether data protection, examination and drafting of terms and conditions, defense against warnings - we offer the full range of Internet law!
You want to start your own business with an online shop?
Outstanding! But do you also have legal aspects in view?
Almost every day we are asked by startups and seasoned entrepreneurs, if the used terms and conditions are in order. Only in the rarest cases have we seen reasonable terms and conditions. But why is that? Presumably because many entrepreneurs refer their terms and conditions about competitors or questionable websites. The creation of terms and conditions by a lawyer is not expensive at the same time. However, before you go to a lawyer, you should ask yourself if they need general terms and conditions at all. Many clients ask us at this point the question "Why, you need terms in business?". But that's just not the case! There is nowhere written that they need mandatory terms and conditions for their business operations.
When do I need terms and conditions?
Actually, only if you want to settle a large number of (more or less similar) business transactions.
A good example is a car wash here. You can personally tell every car driver that they need to disassemble the antenna, or you can do this with a clear notice before the car driver passes your car wash. This notice counts then already as general trading conditions after the §§ 305 ff. BGB.
And when do I need no terms and conditions?
For example, if they offer individual work for the customer, which in any case require a longer consultation time.
A good example would be a luxury car here. He must advise each customer individually about his car and the following work. Then it offers for the tuner hardly any or only a small added value, if he uses AGB.
With the use of terms threaten warnings!
Totally right. Terms and conditions are a popular field of activity for many remittances. Maybe you have heard of the IDO Association? If so, you have probably been warned already. First, the good news: the cost is reasonably low. The bad news, however, is that you should give or even have to sign a so-called penalty injunction. If you violate the duties regulated herein, then very high penalties are imminent.
How do I protect myself against AGB warnings?
Either you have your terms and conditions created by a professional or you waive the terms and conditions. You should always keep in mind that you are not required to use terms and conditions. If you do not use any, the legal situation is governed by the Civil Code for the most part. This is perfectly adequate for most applications.
What do I do if I am warned?
In that case, you should contact a lawyer immediately. Make sure that the lawyer is familiar with Internet law and warnings. Under no circumstances should you sign the (mostly) enclosed declaration of discontinuance without prior examination. Here threaten massive disadvantages!
If you run an online shop, in most cases you also need a cancellation policy.
What happens if I have no cancellation policy?
Then, sooner or later, a competitor of yours will report to you via his lawyer or a dissuasion association with a competition law warning. Such legitimation follows, inter alia, from § 8 para. 1, 3 No. 1 UWG. In these cases, the one already mentioned above applies: Never sign prematurely such a punishable cease and desist declaration! Always go to a lawyer specialized in internet law and warnings.
Since the 9. January 2016 has entered into force EU regulation number 524 / 2013. At this point we would like to have an essay by our Lawyer Stephan Hendel refer. You can find the link Download.
In addition, many other problem areas must be considered. For example, in accordance with Article 246c and 246a EGBGB, you must decide on the individual technical steps that lead to the conclusion of a contract, whether the contract is stored by the contractor after conclusion of the contract and accessible to the customer, or if there is a statutory warranty right under Article 246a § 1 para. 1 S. 1 Nr. 8 EGBGB inform.
In this context, be the new one Privacy regulation (DSGVO), which at the 25. May 2018 enters into force. The first objective of this new regulation is to have a largely uniform data protection law throughout the EU. The main objective is to strengthen the rights and control of those whose personal data are processed.
This date is in many ways an absolute "deadline" because the new General Data Protection Regulation brings many changes for both companies and consumers compared to the previous legislation. Above all, entrepreneurs should take a look at the innovations, because violations are punished with some draconian measures.
Especially for entrepreneurs, the knowledge of the changes in IT law is an absolute must. In this context, mention should be made of the new General Data Protection Regulation, which is published on 25. May 2018 entered into force. We have one for our cooperation partner DeltaMedia Contribution created on this topic.
Online shop operators in particular should check their internet presence for legality. Just missing or wrong cancellation instructions are often warned. Especially in this area your Internet presence should have no weaknesses. You will find a short guide also under the following link.
Who has to prove in court that the company complies with the GDPR?
The responsible person of the company is obliged to do so. He wears gem. Art. 5 para. 2 and Art. 24 DSGVO accountability.
This also includes the "appropriate technical and organizational measures" to ensure conformity.
In terms of liability law, this means that there is a kind of reversal of the burden of proof on the part of the entrepreneur. So far, an interested party has had to prove to the court itself that a company is liable as the responsible body for incorrect processing of data. Now this duty is performed by the person responsible for the data processing.
Are there already warnings due to the GDPR?
In fact, they already exist.
The first client has already turned to our law firm on 25.05.2018, ie on the day the DSGVO came into force. He had a warning from a (supposed) patient.
The client's website does not yet have an SSL certificate. This is gem. § 9 BDSG duty when operating a website with contact form.
Was this warning to be taken seriously?
Yes, definitely! Although we were able to find errors within the warning, this does not necessarily exclude compensation under Art. 82 DSGVO.
How should I behave if I am warned?
In any case, you should consult a trusted lawyer who is familiar with Internet law, competition law and trademark law. As it is initially unclear which of these areas of law is actually affected, a specialized law firm is recommended.
Should you also have questions, we will gladly advise you at any time and analyze your needs situation in individual cases. Our Lawyer Stephan Hendel has many years of programming experience with 15, so he knows exactly how to reconcile technical solutions with legal solutions. Therefore, we also advise many well-known technology companies such as the TeamSpeak Systems Inc.

References: § 8
 § 1
 Art. 5
 Art. 24
 § 9
 Art. 82