The Venture Alley - A blog about business and legal issues important to entrepreneurs, startups, venture capitalists and angel investors.

Online and social media have revolutionized the way companies interact with their customers – allowing them to target customer interests and engage customers much more directly. Entering into the world of social media, however, may pose reputational challenges. On-line stores and e-commerce platforms encourage customers to post reviews about the products they offer. Numerous companies directly prompt their customers to “like” them on Facebook or to comment on Twitter about their consumer experiences. But what if the responses customers post are less than glowing? What if a company is the target of defamatory falsehoods? Many companies simply are not prepared... More

Our D.C. colleagues Radiance Walters and Debbie Rosenbaum have a great piece posted on Corporate Counsel Magazine concerning contests, sweepstakes, and giveaways using social media.  They discuss the responsibilities and pitfalls associated with these activities.  Key aspects they discuss are: Be Aware That Federal and State Laws Apply You Should Follow Your Platform’s Terms of Use You Should Always Include Official Rules Read the full article here.... More

CONTRIBUTED BYMegan Muirmegan.muir@dlapiper.com  Courtesy of our colleagues in DLA Piper's Technology and Sourcing Group comes the October 2011 Global Technology and Sourcing Newsletterwhich includes articles on cyber security, the European Commission’s €9 billion investment to improve pan-European access to high-speed broadband, proposed reforms of the UK’s online gambling regulations, social media in the workplace, outsourcing and more.  The entire October Newsletter, edited by Mark O'Conor, is available here.  You may also access the September Global Technology and Sourcing Newsletter here.... More

Public companies are increasingly turning to social media to market their products and services and drive revenues. Given the sheer number of people who tweet, blog and post, the unique ability to target a message to a desired demographic and the relatively low cost of digital media marketing efforts relative to traditional advertising, such efforts are only going to increase. At many public companies, anyone from the C-level management team to the sales and marketing teams to individual employees – including those who are not designated as company spokespersons under the company’s communications policies – may be using social media... More