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Internet, E-Commerce, and Privacy Law & Disputes

Internet, E-Commerce, and Privacy Law & Disputes Attorney

At Phillips & Bathke, P.C., we help clients address the complex and fast-evolving legal issues that arise in the online world. With offices in Chicago, Peoria, and New York, our attorneys advise and represent businesses, entrepreneurs, content creators, and platforms in matters involving internet law, e-commerce disputes, online defamation, privacy concerns, and more. Whether your business lives entirely online or just depends on it, we work to protect your interests in an environment where legal standards and expectations continue to shift.

    How Can We Help?

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        What is the title of the work?


        What type of work is it?

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            What type of dispute are you trying to resolve?

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              What type of IP is involved?

              Has a lawsuit already been filed?

              Our firm requires retainers for all litigation matters. This is an up front payment to a trust account that we later bill against. They start at $5,000 and increase based on complexity on a variety of factors. Are you willing to pay a retainer?


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                What type of harmful content are you dealing with?

                Where is the content published?

                What harm has this caused so far?

                Our firm requires retainers for all litigation matters. This is an up front payment to a trust account that we later bill against. They start at $5,000 and increase based on complexity on a variety of factors. Are you willing to pay a retainer?

                What is your name?

                Please provide us with your phone number.

                Lastly, can I get your email address?


                  What type of website/app issue are you facing?

                  What is the primary platform or business model?

                  Do you currently have any existing legal documents or policies for your website/app? (Select all that apply)

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                    Are concerned about:


                    What is the name of the project?

                    In order to set aside the time to review your submission, prepare for our consultation, and hold a consultation, we charge a $250 consultation fee. Is this agreeable?

                    Unfortunately, we require a paid consultation to set aside the time to prepare for and discuss your billing issues. So, we are unable to assist you. . begin work on your matter. Unfortunately at this time we are unable to assist you. Please visit the Illinois Commerce Commission Complaint page for further assistance. We wish you the best of luck.

                    Who is the utility?

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                      Are you:


                      Who will be the owners of the business?

                      Do you know whether you want a corporation, limited liability company, or other type of entity?

                      What is the name of the business and its owners?

                      Why are you winding up the business?

                      What is the name of the business and who are the owners of the business?

                      Who is purchasing the business?

                      What is the name of your business?

                      What kind of contract do you need?

                      Who is the other party you are contracting with?

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                      Lastly, can I get your email address?


                      Unfortunately, we require this initial consultation fee before reviewing and discussing your case. So, we are unable to assist you and wish you the best of luck.

                      E-Commerce Disputes and Online Transactions

                      E-commerce businesses face a unique set of legal challenges, especially when transactions cross state or national borders. We represent clients in disputes over payment processing, customer contracts, affiliate arrangements, service-level agreements, fulfillment issues, and online terms of sale. Whether it’s a business-to-consumer (B2C) or business-to-business (B2B) matter, we help clients enforce their rights and resolve conflicts efficiently.

                      We also assist in drafting and enforcing terms of service, refund policies, and other key documents that govern the buyer-seller relationship online so that expectations are clear and legally enforceable from the start.

                      Regulatory Compliance in the Digital Space

                      From the FTC to state attorneys general, regulators are paying close attention to how businesses handle advertising, data, and consumer rights online. We counsel clients on compliance with e-commerce and internet marketing laws, including disclosure requirements, testimonial rules, automatic renewal laws, and platform terms. We also help companies navigate cross-border concerns like GDPR, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and other evolving data protection frameworks.

                      Whether you’re launching a new app or managing a large e-commerce platform, we work to ensure your digital presence aligns with legal obligations and industry standards.

                      Online Defamation and Reputation Protection

                      False and damaging content spreads fast online. We help individuals and businesses respond to defamatory posts, fake reviews, smear campaigns, and misleading media. In some cases, we pursue litigation; in others, we negotiate takedowns or work with platforms to remove harmful content under their own policies.

                      Online defamation can damage a brand, disrupt operations, and cause lasting reputational harm. Our firm moves quickly to assess options and take the right steps to correct the record, reduce exposure, and hold responsible parties accountable when possible.

                      Cybersquatting and Domain Name Disputes

                      Domain names are often the foundation of a business’s online identity. We represent clients in disputes involving cybersquatting, typo-squatting, and unauthorized domain registrations. When a domain name improperly uses your trademark or brand, we pursue recovery through litigation or arbitration under the Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP).

                      We also advise clients on preventative steps, such as domain monitoring, defensive registrations, and early enforcement strategies to protect brand equity online.

                      Privacy Breaches and Data Disputes

                      When private data is compromised, the legal fallout can be significant. We assist clients in responding to data breaches, both from a regulatory standpoint and in civil litigation. Our services include breach response planning, notification obligations, third-party vendor issues, and defending against privacy-related claims. We also help draft privacy policies that are clear, compliant, and tailored to the client’s specific data practices.

                      At Phillips & Bathke, P.C., we bring clarity and confidence to digital-era legal challenges because the internet never slows down, and neither should your protection.