The Law of Electronic Commerce and the Internet in the UK and Ireland

Book excerpt: 'Internet law' and 'electronic commerce law' are new entities and as such there is some difficulty in defining this rapidly changing area of the law. Scholars are divided as to whether it is a subject in its own right or part of a broader area and there is also debate concerning its status as a new law or as old law which needs interpreting in a new way. This text helps the student to unravel this complicated area of law and provides guidance through the wealth of literature available on the topic. The text is for law students coming towards the end of their first degree, or taking a Masters. The first half focuses on the principles of electronic commerce law and includes an introduction to the law of the Internet, basic concepts in intellectual property law, privacy law and data protection. The second part deals with rights and duties in the online world including, liabilities, ownership and contracts. Technical operations are explained in the text as necessary and a glossary provides a guide to the more commonly encountered computer technicalities. With a supporting website providing links to online further reading, this textbook is ideal for students of e-commerce law and will provide those studying information technology law or practising commercial law with an indispensable introduction to Internet issues.