JANUARY 1999 BROADSHEET - Copyright in Databases & WWW. Information from the Internet, Security & Legal
Despite a very stormy night, the rain beating on the roof of the TWI conference room was deafening at times, we had a good audience for the two experts who spoke to us about ECommerce and its pitfalls on 10th December.
lsabel Napper, of the Intellectual Property Team of Mills and Reeve, told us that the intemet was highly regulated but that enforcement was very difficult, though possible. The problem was that it was subject to the laws of whichever country it happened to surface. Web designers beware, including yours truly. None of this passing off prestigious links in the hope that we will reflect in their glory! Isabel promised to vet our site, so we hope she will not pull it apart too much and you will recognise wwweb.org/cetc when you next call in. We heard how unscrupulous companies put their chief competitors in their "Metatag" so that searching for a rival would also throw up a list including themselves. In June 1999 there is going to be a Distance Selling Directive - even more regulations on which to be foisted!
E-mail was also not without its pitfalls. Due to its complete informality as derived from anoraks and student familiarity, people forget that they have to be a bit more careful in business. Breach of confidence can follow the irretrievable click on the wrong button. Companies are liable for the sins of their employees so it is vital to have a policy with restrictions that are signed up to. Isabel laced her talk with a wealth of amusing cautionary tales. If you want any further advice try 01223 222250, though nowadays nearly all her work is done on e-mail: isabeln@mills-reeve.com and their website is http://www.mills-reeve.com
John Moore of Deloitte and Touche showed how governments wanted the internet to thrive, thus no new taxes, but at the same time they were desperately worried that all their traditional sources would dry up. Where would VAT be charged? In the country of origin or where the sale took place. In Britain a book does not attract VAT, but in digital form it is no longer a book but a service and therefore taxed. What do we do? Working groups are trying to sort it out. Until then the best bet is to operate from a low tax area! John might well be the first to know as he is specialising in intemet problems. His company also has specialists in technology-based businesses and biotechnology. They can be reached on 01223 460222. You can find out so more about Deloitte and Touche at http://www.deloitte.com
John Moore of Deloitte and Touche showed how governments wanted the internet to thrive, thus no new taxes, but at the same time they were desperately worried that all their traditional sources would dry up. Where would VAT be charged? In the country of origin or where the sale took place. In Britain a book does not attract VAT, but in digital form it is no longer a book but a service and therefore taxed. What do we do? Working groups are trying to sort it out. Until then the best bet is to operate from a low tax area! John might well be the first to know as he is specialising in intemet problems. His company also has specialists in technology-based businesses and biotechnology. They can be reached on 01223 460222. You can find out so more about Deloitte and Touche at http://www.deloitte.com
Prior to the January meeting we hold our AGM, at 5.30pm, Thursday 28th. Anyone wanting to join the committee will be most welcome. Anyone with ideas for interesting meetings or visits, please let the Secretary know if you are interested: 01353 7840665 or lgw@dial.pipex.com.
The Club is very fortunate in benefiting from the sponsorship of the following organisations:-
There are also other companies who give us generous help with specific meetings and services.
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