Company Websites & Internet Ads - Avoiding Personal Jurisdiction in Non-Business States
In today’s internet age, it is almost unheard of for a business, no matter how large or how small, to not maintain some form of an online presence, such as a company website, social media profile, or search engine optimization listing. A consumer may access any company’s website or social media profile at the touch of a button from their computers or smartphones anywhere in the world. However, does a consumer’s unprecedented access to a business’s information create unforeseen legal consequences for small companies? Specifically, does a small business’s website, social media profile or internet advertising activities expose it to being sued and subject to personal jurisdiction in states where the company seemingly has no connection? The answer to this question hinges on the type of website a company maintains and the scope of advertising that a company engages in.