Legal Question in Consumer Law in Massachusetts
Business on the Internet
When doing business over the Internet what is the rule for an unsatisfied customer to file a claim? What jurisdiction would the claim be filed?
Asked on 8/22/03, 7:35 am
1 Answer from Attorneys
Anthony DeWitt
Bartimus, Frickleton Robertson & Gorny, PC
Re: Business on the Internet
The customer could probably file a claim against the business in the location where the purchase was made. By virtue of your product or service being advertised over the internet, and the order solicited from that jurisdiction, the court would most likely conclude that you were "doing business" in that state because you solicited customers from there.
That doesn't mean there are no defenses, but you are in a considerably weaker position when you attempt to defend a small claim in a distant jurisdiction.
Answered on 8/22/03, 10:26 am