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The Ultimate Guide to Internet Law: 100 Guides and Resources

Published on Monday 14th of July, 2008

By Alisa Miller

With the Internet being such an important part of daily life, the interest in Internet law has grown. Whether you are a lawyer, law student, an online business owner, or blogger, Internet law touches your life. The following resources can provide help and information to answer any questions you may have about Internet law.

General Internet Law Resources

From summaries of court decisions to podcasts and articles, the resources below will provide plenty of opportunities to find what you might need to know about Internet law.

  1. Netlitigation. This site offers news and discussions on a wide range of legal Internet topics.
  2. Internet Library of Law and Court Decisions. Find summaries of almost 600 court decisions that have affected the Internet and the laws pertaining to it.
  3. Internet Law and Regulation. Get news and read the latest on cases, pleadings, motions, and briefs at this site.
  4. Sean Mead's Internet and Telecommunications Law Links. Nice listing of links for Internet, telecommunications, and intellectual property law resources.
  5. SpamLaws. Keep abreast of the latest spam laws as well as laws on other related topics such as spyware, adware, viruses, and more.
  6. Communications Decency Act. Get all the news coverage, background, briefs, and proceedings that pertain to the Communications Decency Act in 1997.
  7. EDUCAUSE Connect. This site offers a database of various resources in information technology, education and the law.
  8. BitLaw. This resource offers almost 2000 pages of information on patent, copyright, trademark, and Internet legal issues.
  9. Law.com Legal Technology. Read news articles and blogs and get links to downloads and white papers, podcasts, newsletters, and more at this site.
  10. KuesterLaw. This resource offers all the latest on technology law, including patent, trademark, intellectual property and more.
  11. CyberLaw@Sidley. Find tons of articles, news updates, and more with this excellent resource for Internet law.
  12. UCLA Online Institute for Cyberspace Law and Policy. This archive provides a rich resource for all formative laws taking place between 1995 through 2002.
  13. LLRX.com. Self-described as "law and technology resources for legal professionals," this site has plenty to offer for the latest news and more in this field.

Public Interest Groups and Resources

From studying the Internet trends to following the federal laws as they are created, the resources in this list will provide plenty of resources on the public interest side of Internet law.

  1. Berkman Center for Internet & Society. A part of Harvard Law, this group studies the Internet and determines what laws are necessary, if any, in order to "help pioneer its development."
  2. Openlaw. Based on the concept of open source software, this site offers all interested parties (lawyers and non-lawyers) to participate in an open forum to craft legal arguments. Much of the focus here tends to touch on Internet law.
  3. Electronic Frontier Foundation. This powerhouse site offers all the latest in protecting civil liberties online.
  4. Public Knowledge. This public interest group works to keep civil liberties on the Internet. Some of their current projects include orphaned copyrighted material and a petition to protect the First Amendment rights with text messages.
  5. Public.Resource.org. The mission of this site is to make government more accessible to the public via the Internet. You'll find information on open cases as well as plenty of government documents.
  6. GovTrack.us. Follow all the latest federal legislation with this group. They also have a blog and a place to find information about your representatives.
  7. CorpWatch. This group watches over major corporations and reports the information here. They have a technology section that is helpful for Internet law research.

Intellectual Property Law Resources

Looking specifically at intellectual property, these resources offer information on the law as it pertains to copyrights, trademarks, cyber crime, and more.

  1. The IP Mall--Pierce Law Center. This site offers links to several intellectual property resources from both Pierce Law and from around the world.
  2. Computer Crime & Intellectual Property Section. From the U.S. Department of Justice, find press releases and documents about cyber and IP crime.
  3. ARL Public & Intellectual Property Policies. Read about all the debate and consideration of public policies, specifically as they pertain to the Internet, in this resource compiled by the Association of Research Libraries.
  4. Copyright Website. From the most basic information for the average Joe to more detailed information for professionals, this site offers the lowdown on copyright laws for movies, music, and the Internet.
  5. Chilling Effects Clearinghouse. This project, hosted by several law schools, compiles "legal complaints about online activity" and uses this information to help ensure the public's First Amendment and intellectual property rights are protected on the Internet.
  6. Creative Commons. This non-profit will help you learn about copyright laws and creating a "some rights reserved" copyright.
  7. IPWatchdog.com. Find out from this patent attorney what you need to know about patents, copyrights, trademarks, and anything else pertaining to intellectual property law.
  8. Lawgirl.com. This is technically a blog by a lawyer who specializes in intellectual property, but is no longer being maintained. However, there is a section of links to information on copyright and trademark law that are helpful.
  9. U.S. Copyright Office. Find out the basics about copyrights to the copyright laws and more on this official government site.
  10. Intellectual Property Law Server. Get plenty of information about IP law from the blogs, articles, and forums on this resource.

International Internet Law Resources

With the Internet going beyond the borders of any one country, it is important to include an international perspective when dealing with Internet law. These resources provide that perspective.

  1. ASIL Guide to Electronic Resources for International Intellectual Property Law. This guide offers everything from a clear definition of intellectual property to important research strategies and resources to assist with international intellectual property law.
  2. World-Wide Intellectual Property Law. Find links to publications, patent links, organizations, and more that all have to do with various subcategories of intellectual properties.
  3. IP Menu. This site is maintained by two lawyers from Australia and New Zealand, but addresses global intellectual property laws.
  4. Internet Law & Policy Forum. Dedicated to developing the legal and public policies for international Internet business people, this forum offers news and several working groups to ensure the best practices.
  5. Norwegian Research Center for Computers and Law. This research center focuses on legal issues of information technology, requirements related to system developments, and using technology as a tool for lawyers.
  6. ITechLaw. This organization is for legal professionals and students in the Internet law field and offers international networking and information sharing.
  7. Internet Law Library's Intellectual Property: General. This comprehensive listing offers links to intellectual property law resources from around the world.
  8. LawGuru.com Treaties and International Law. Find a long list of links to treaties and other documents pertaining to international business dealings.
  9. CataLaw Intellectual Property Law. This directory is broken down by country and covers each nation's specific laws for topics such as copyrights.
  10. World Intellectual Property Organization. An agency of the United Nations, this group strives to provide a safe and accessible global intellectual property community.
  11. Ius mentis. This Dutch site provides over 350 articles pertaining to technology and the law, with a very heavy emphasis on intellectual property.
  12. Academicinfo Intellectual Property Law. This incredibly comprehensive list offers links to resources around the world for IP laws and information.

e-Commerce Law and Fraud Resources

The following groups and resources focus on e-commerce and fraud protection. From a database of national e-commerce offenders to ways to protect against Internet scams, you will find what you need to know here.

  1. McBride Baker & Coles eCommerce Spotlight . This firm's site is a popular spot to get the latest news on e-commerce and digital signatures.
  2. econsumer.gov. An international watchdog, this site offers assistance with legal matters for e-commerce situations as well as maintains a database of international offenders.
  3. FraudBureau.com. Find the latest news on legal issues as well as other issues pertaining to online fraud.
  4. Line56 Research Library. Find white papers and more on this database for all things IT. There is a strong emphasis on online purchasing. Free registration is required.
  5. National Consumer League's Fraud Center. Get news, tips and trends on Internet fraud with this organization's information.
  6. Digital Economy Fact Book. Learn all the most recent statistics on Internet business with this handbook updated in 2007.
  7. APWG. This public service group is dedicated to eliminating Internet scams and fraud.
  8. The Spamhaus Project. A global watchdog, this group monitors spammers and provides information to the public as well as international law enforcement agencies.

Journals

Mostly from academic institutions, these journals provide a wealth of information ranging from compilations of news reports to original articles written by practicing lawyers, scholars, and law students.

  1. Berkeley Technology Law Journal. Run by the students, this journal keeps those in the legal profession updated with all the latest news in high-tech, intellectual property, and biotech fields.
  2. Duke Law & Technology Review. Get the latest news stories pertaining to such topics as e-commerce, cybercrime, patents and technology, and copyrights and trademarks.
  3. The University of Baltimore Intellectual Property Law Journal. This journal touches on the latest happenings by publishing local, national, and international articles that pertain to several subcategories of intellectual property law.
  4. Richmond Journal of Law & Technology. Find articles, editorial pieces, and eDiscovery archives on the "first exclusively online law review."
  5. Stanford Technology Law Review. This "interactive forum" provides articles from students, professionals, and scholars with hyperlinks, viewable footnotes, and immediate reader response.
  6. William and Mary Journal of Online Law. While this site is currently not operating, they do offer an archive of articles from the past that pertain to law and cyberspace.
  7. Yale Journal of Law and Technology. The articles in this interactive journal are written by distinguished guests of Yale, students, scholars, and practitioners with a focus on the intersection of law and technology.
  8. Michigan Telecommunications and Technology Law Review. This interactive law review aims to "promote informed discourse about the interrelated legal, social, business, and public policy issues raised by emerging technologies."
  9. Harvard Journal of Law & Technology. Written by practitioners, students, and scholars, these articles discuss current trends in several aspects of technology and the law such as intellectual property, cybercrime, e-commerce, telecommunications, and more.
  10. Fordham Intellectual Property, Media, and Entertainment Law Journal. Touted as the fourth most cited intellectual property law journal, they offer information on patent, copyright, trademark, and telecommunications and Internet law.
  11. Santa Clara Computer and High Technology Law Journal. This student-run journal has received both national and international recognition and focuses on technology, law, and public policy.
  12. Cyber Law Journal. Each Friday, this column of the New York Times updates with the latest news on Internet legal issues.

Blogs

Law blogs provide a super combination of the blogger's vast amount of specialized knowledge and their personality traits to provide an informative and entertaining way to keep abreast of what is happening in the world of Internet law.

  1. Lessig. Stanford Law School's professor Lawrence Lessig pens this blog with topics focusing on the current political state of technology and copyright issues as they pertain to the law.
  2. Bag and Baggage. Written by Denise Howell, this blog frequently focuses on law topics such as intellectual property and technology.
  3. IP::JUR. Written by a European Patent Attorney in Germany, this blog focuses on international intellectual property.
  4. beSpacific. This blog, by Sabrina Pacifici, offers the latest on law and technology issues.
  5. Dennis Kennedy.com. This lawyer is considered one of the most important in the study of technology and law.
  6. iBlawg. Drawing from Duke Law School's Intellectual Property program, this blog seeks to be "a leading online legal journal dedicated to the intersection of law and technology."
  7. Ernie the Attorney. Ernest Svenson is a lawyer in New Orleans who frequently shares his knowledge through his blog about technology and the law.
  8. DigestibleLaw.com. Read this blog that incorporates Internet law with an Internet case digest to get the latest news in the field.
  9. Info/Law. Read about the latest in Information Law such as public domain, ISP privacy issues, and companies enabling censorship.
  10. Privacy and Security Law Blog. This blog is maintained by a group of lawyers who practice and write about privacy and security--frequently including those aspects as pertain to the Internet.
  11. The Trademark Blog. Written by Martin Schwimmer, a preeminent trademark attorney, this blog provides updates on everything trademark.
  12. Virtually Blind. Read about the law and virtual worlds on this blog written by Benjamin Duranske.
  13. Politech: Politics and Technology. This blog is a member-driven resource with daily updates that deal with technology and the politics involved. Many of the contributors are lawyers, techies, journalists, and more.

Newsletters

Newsletter are a great way to stay on top of the news. They are usually delivered directly to your email address and you can choose one that will update you as frequently as you would like.

  1. BNA Internet Law News. Get daily email updates with links to all the latest news about Internet law.
  2. GigaLaw.com. Focusing on Internet and technology law, get daily updates on the latest news.
  3. Internet Law Update Newsletter. Get regular email updates on Internet law from one of the foremost authorities in the field.
  4. Berkman Center Mailing Signup. Choose to get monthly delivery of The Filter, a weekly dose of the Berkman Buzz, or media or report releases from this important Harvard Internet research group.
  5. Law Journal Newsletters. This site offers newsletters for several fields within law. Click on "Technology" under Practice Groups to read the latest news or subscribe.
  6. Internet Law & Business. A sister to the larger Computer Law Reporter, a nationally recognized publication, this newsletter provides the latest analyses in Internet law. There is a large subscription fee for this publication.
  7. Monday Memo. This bi-weekly newsletter from the Internet Law Center provides the latest legal news for Internet businesses.
  8. JurisNotes.com. Get intellectual property and patent law newsletters through this service. The first two months are free.

Complying with Internet Law

It can be easy to step outside the law because of the nuances of Internet law. Making sure you stay within the law will be easier with these resources.

  1. 12 Important U.S. Laws Every Blogger Needs to Know. Find out what to do and what not to do with this helpful blog post from Aviva Directory.
  2. EFF: Legal Guide for Bloggers. Find out what your rights are and learn what to avoid to protect yourself whether you are a beginner blogger or you've been posting for a while.
  3. The Children's Internet Protection Act. This resource tells the history of CIPA and explains how librarians implement CIPA and stay within the law.
  4. 10 Big Myths about Copyright Explained. Find out if you are within your rights or not when it comes to copyright law.
  5. Staying out of Legal Trouble: Ten Commandments for Webmasters and Operators. Learn ten things to do in order to keep yourself and your business out of trouble.
  6. The CAN-SPAM Act: Requirements for Commercial Emailers. This publication from the Federal Trade Commission explains how you can safely perform bulk email to your customers without breaking the law.
  7. Email Law Compliance. This simple article explains how you can take steps to ensure that you are following the letter of the law when sending out business emails to your clients.
  8. A Legal Issues Primer for Open Source and Free Software Projects. If you are producing any type of open source or freeware, this is a must-read for you.

General Law Resources

While these resources offer a more general scope on the area of law, many of do provide sections that deal specifically with Internet law.

  1. Law Library of Congress. From the largest law library in the world, find tons of resources and information on this site.
  2. American Bar Association. Find lawyers, get information and resources, and link to other sites that offer help with legal research.
  3. FindLaw. Search for a lawyer and see lawyer profiles, get information on the law, and find answers to many common questions.
  4. American Civil Liberties Union. Find information as it pertains to individual's rights protected by the constitution. You will find a Privacy & Technology section dealing specifically with new technologies and civil liberties.
  5. Emory Law Ready Reference. This site offers links to free primary and secondary research sources. Find an Internet Legal Research Guide among many other guides.
  6. PLoL. The Public Library of Law touts itself as the largest free law library and is a great place to look for what you need in Internet law and more.
  7. Media Law Resource Center. While the focus is on media law, there is a huge overlap with Internet law here.
  8. The 'Lectric Law Library. This site has a casual feel, but has received recognition and provides lots of information on the law.
  9. THOMAS. Dedicated to Thomas Jefferson's devotion to the legal system, this site from the Library of Congress offers the most current legislative updates.

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