On the 25th of January 2012 the European Commission published a proposal for a new Data Protection Regulation to replace the existing EU Data Protection Directive. The proposal sets out a general data protection framework aimed at unifying the current differing data protection rules in the EU. Following on from my first article – part 1, I have summarised the remainder of the major changes this will make to EU data protection law below.
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SaaS Agreements – Data Protection – New Proposed EU Rules – Part 1
On the 25th of January 2012 the European Commission published a proposal for a new Data Protection Regulation to replace the existing EU Data Protection Directive. The proposal sets out a general data protection framework aimed at unifying the current differing data protection rules in the EU. I have summarised the major changes this will make to EU data protection law in two articles, part 1 of which is set out below.
Continue readingSaaS Agreements – Liability – Online Comments
New proposed UK defamation laws recommend that web hosts (SaaS suppliers) and ISPs should be allowed to keep allegedly defamatory comments online, as long as the author of the comment is identified and a notice of complaint is published next to the comment.
Continue readingSaaS Agreements – Software – Copyright Protection
The Advocate General ruled that the functionalities of software are simply “the service which the user expects” from the computer programme. For example, when using software to book an airline ticket the functionalities of the booking process will be the same regardless of which company’s software you use. Such services cannot be protected by copyright. However, what can be protected by copyright, is the means by which the functionalities are achieved as this reflects the author’s own intellectual creation. Protection will depend upon the degree of originality in the writing of the software.
Continue readingSaaS Agreements – Need for an Escrow Agreement
Having an escrow agreement in place protects all parties involved in the development, supply and use of business critical SaaS applications. It provides customers with peace of mind for securing long-term availability of a critical SaaS application by enabling customers to update software and fix any bugs even if the supplier is no longer able to support them.
Continue readingSaaS Agreements – SLA – Security Issues
As a SaaS supplier you will have noticed the increasing concerns about security voiced by SaaS customers. Your SaaS agreement should provide comfort to your customer by including security provisions in the service level agreement (SLA). The specifc matters covered will depend on a number of factors set out below.
Continue readingWebsite Legal Requirements – Contact and Company Information
About Us/Contact Information. You must provide the following information in an easily accessible position on your website to comply with the legal requirements of the E-commerce Directive in the UK.
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