Twenty-first century consumers demand first-class service, quality products, effective guarantees, ease of purchase through a variety of distribution channels, and appropriate information. Retailers must meet these expectations whilst seeking to minimise the risks inherent in dealing with consumers.
Our Consumer Law team helps clients to develop the right strategies and systems, from the initial set-up to the after-sales service, offering effective solutions for issues that are becoming increasingly common and complex.
We advise on the full range of Consumer Law issues, including:
Sale of goods and supply of services
Effective sale and supply agreements are essential. Outsourcing, purchase, sale and supply agreements are becoming more complex, due to tightened lead times and the virtual aspect and speed of the internet. We have expertise in drafting and advising on terms and conditions of sale or supply, including the use of websites through which business is conducted.
Product liability
Liability for defective products can be limited by using effective contracts, thus minimising the risk to the reputation and profitability of our clients, and allowing them to concentrate on managing their businesses.
Consumer credit
Consumer credit law gives extensive rights to consumers. We work with our business clients to ensure that the agreements they use are effective and enforceable.
Licensing of software to consumers
RadcliffesLeBrasseur specialises in assisting clients who are reviewing existing software licences granted to consumers, or who are granting new licences.
Data protection
Marketing to consumers is extremely competitive, and consumer protection has been increased through the development of the Data Protection legislation. We provide our clients with effective advice on how to maximise marketing opportunities without breaching any of the statutory guidelines.
E-commerce
We can advise on the full range of E-commerce issues affecting consumers, from on-line purchasing to the use of electronic signatures.
Dispute resolution
We recognise that litigation for its own sake is unproductive for any business. Our commercial dispute resolution team works with clients to achieve the most sensible, realistic and cost-effective resolution to any dispute. Where co-operation and discussion do not bring about a solution, and litigation or arbitration becomes unavoidable, we can guide clients through to the trial, arbitration hearing or mediation process.
Some examples of recent work are:
- Drafting terms and conditions for the sale of household cleaning products to consumers.
- Advising on the terms of supply of the services of a call centre selling travel services to consumers.
- Drafting standard terms and conditions for the use of a website.
- Advising a hotel chain on email marketing to consumers.
- Providing guidance to clients on the E-commerce Regulations.
- Advising on the terms and conditions in relation to the holding of a public exhibition.
- Advising on the licensing of infomercials for the sale of products to consumers.
- Advising on liabiltiy for defective products bought by consumers.
- Drafting and negotiating software licenses, including boxed product agreements, shrink-wrap licences, volume agreements and licences for digital content.
- Advising on a wide range of licensing agreements in relation to copyright, particularly in connection with the licensing and distribution of computer software
- Advising a large national charity on data protection compliance monitoring procedures.