Best E-commerce & Internet Law Lawyers in Marijampolė

About E-commerce & Internet Law in Marijampolė, Republic of Lithuania

E-commerce and internet law in Marijampolė operates within the national legal framework of the Republic of Lithuania and the broader European Union regime. This field covers how online shops, marketplaces, and digital services operate, how electronic contracts are formed, what information must be given to consumers, how personal data and cookies are handled, how advertising and pricing must be presented, and how disputes are resolved. Because Marijampolė is part of Lithuania, EU regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation and the Digital Services Act apply alongside Lithuanian statutes that transpose EU directives and set local rules. Businesses selling online to Lithuanian consumers must also respect Lithuanian language and consumer protection requirements, regardless of whether the seller is based in Marijampolė or elsewhere.

Whether you are launching an online store, operating a marketplace, offering software or content as a service, or selling cross-border across the EU, understanding these rules is critical to avoid fines, consumer claims, chargebacks, or reputational harm. A lawyer experienced in Lithuanian and EU digital regulations can help you structure compliant operations from the start and resolve issues quickly if something goes wrong.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may need legal help if you are setting up or scaling an e-shop and want compliant terms and policies. A lawyer can draft Lithuanian consumer-facing terms and conditions, privacy notices, cookie policies, and returns procedures tailored to your products and risk profile.

You may need advice on data protection compliance. This can include mapping data flows, drafting data processing agreements, selecting a legal basis for marketing, setting cookie banners and consent tracking, handling international transfers, and deciding whether you need a data protection officer.

You may face online advertising and pricing compliance questions. A lawyer can advise on influencer collaborations, comparative advertising, price reduction announcements, and requirements to show the total price including VAT and fees.

You may need help with consumer disputes, chargebacks, or negative reviews. Counsel can guide you through complaint handling, mediation before the State Consumer Rights Protection Authority, the EU Online Dispute Resolution process, or proceedings in the Marijampolė District Court.

You may require support after a security or data breach. Legal counsel can coordinate breach assessment, notifications to the State Data Protection Inspectorate within statutory timelines, and communications to affected customers, as well as engagement with the National Cyber Security Center if applicable.

You may need assistance with platform and intermediary obligations. If you operate an online marketplace or platform, you may have duties under the Digital Services Act, the Platform-to-Business Regulation, and Lithuanian consumer laws that require clear disclosures, ranking transparency, and notice-and-action procedures.

You may want to protect or enforce intellectual property. Lawyers can register and defend trademarks with the State Patent Bureau or EUIPO, draft licensing agreements, and prepare takedown notices against infringing listings or content.

You may need guidance on payments, fintech features, or gift cards. Legal counsel can determine whether your offering triggers licensing under PSD2, advise on strong customer authentication, and draft compliant voucher and gift card terms.

Local Laws Overview

Consumer protection and distance contracts. The Lithuanian Civil Code and the Law on Consumer Protection set information duties for distance and off-premises contracts, require clear pre-contract disclosures, and provide a 14-day right of withdrawal for most consumer purchases. Sellers must refund payments within statutory timeframes and handle returns according to the law, with specific exceptions such as custom goods or sealed hygienic goods that were unsealed.

E-commerce framework and intermediary liability. The Law on Information Society Services implements the EU e-commerce rules. It requires online service providers to display key business information, recognizes electronic contracts, and sets conditional liability limitations for hosting, caching, and mere conduit services, together with notice-and-takedown practices.

Data protection and cookies. The GDPR applies directly, complemented by the Law on Legal Protection of Personal Data. The Law on Electronic Communications covers cookies and similar technologies. Non-essential cookies generally require prior opt-in consent and clear information. Data breaches must be assessed and, when required, notified to the State Data Protection Inspectorate within 72 hours. In Lithuania, a child may consent to data processing for information society services from age 14.

Electronic identification and signatures. The EU eIDAS Regulation and Lithuanian implementing rules recognize electronic signatures. Qualified electronic signatures have the same legal effect as handwritten signatures and can be used to conclude contracts and approve corporate documents.

Marketing, advertising, and unfair practices. The Law on Advertising and the Law on the Prohibition of Unfair Business-to-Consumer Commercial Practices prohibit misleading or aggressive practices. Influencer marketing must be clearly labeled as advertising. The Omnibus Directive implementation adds specific duties to show the lowest prior price for price reductions over a 30-day lookback and to disclose whether and how reviews are verified.

Language and consumer information. The Law on the State Language requires consumer information, including mandatory pre-contract disclosures and essential terms for Lithuanian consumers, to be available in the Lithuanian language. If you target Lithuanian consumers, providing Lithuanian terms, privacy notices, and customer service information is expected.

VAT and invoicing. The Law on Value Added Tax governs VAT and the EU One Stop Shop and Import One Stop Shop schemes for cross-border B2C sales. Prices shown to consumers must include VAT and all unavoidable fees. The State Tax Inspectorate oversees VAT registrations, filings, and compliance.

Payments and fintech. The Law on Payments and the Law on Electronic Money and Electronic Money Institutions implement PSD2. The Bank of Lithuania supervises payment institutions and e-money institutions, and strong customer authentication is required for most electronic payments.

Cybersecurity and incident response. The Law on Cyber Security sets obligations for certain entities and sectors. Companies should adopt reasonable organizational and technical security measures, perform risk assessments, and prepare incident response plans. Sectoral obligations may apply depending on your service and size, including forthcoming NIS2-aligned requirements.

Marketplace and platform obligations. The Digital Services Act applies to providers of intermediary services, hosting services, and online platforms. It includes obligations for transparency, terms of service, notice-and-action mechanisms, and reporting. The Platform-to-Business Regulation imposes transparency and fairness requirements on platforms that intermediate B2B transactions. Lithuanian authorities cooperate with EU bodies for supervision and enforcement.

Domain names and IP. .lt domain registrations are administered by the .lt registry operated by Kaunas University of Technology DOMREG. Trademark and design protection are handled by the State Patent Bureau and at EU level by EUIPO. Copyright is protected by the Law on Copyright and Related Rights, including enforcement and licensing rules relevant to digital content and user-generated content.

Courts and dispute resolution. Consumer disputes can be mediated by the State Consumer Rights Protection Authority and heard in the Marijampolė District Court when litigation is necessary. Businesses can also use the EU Online Dispute Resolution platform for cross-border consumer disputes. Arbitration and mediation are available for certain commercial disputes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What information must I display on my Lithuanian e-shop

You must show your legal name, company code, registered office, contact details, VAT number if applicable, total prices including VAT and fees, delivery costs, key product characteristics, payment and delivery methods, the 14-day withdrawal right and exceptions, complaint handling, and dispute resolution options. If you target Lithuanian consumers, provide this information in Lithuanian.

Are electronic contracts and e-signatures valid for online sales

Yes. Electronic contracts are recognized, and a qualified electronic signature has the same legal effect as a handwritten signature. For standard consumer purchases, a clickwrap or another clear affirmative action is sufficient to form a contract if disclosures and terms are properly presented.

Do I need a special license to sell products online in Marijampolė

Most online retail businesses only need general business registration and tax registrations. A license may be required for regulated goods or services such as alcohol, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, or financial services. Offering payment services to third parties can trigger licensing under PSD2, so structure your checkout to use licensed providers.

How do cookie banners and consent work in Lithuania

Non-essential cookies require prior opt-in consent. Pre-ticked boxes are not valid. You should provide a clear banner, granular choices, easy withdrawal of consent, and a cookie policy that identifies each cookie purpose and retention period. Keep a record of consents and refresh them periodically.

What are the rules for returns and refunds for consumers

Consumers generally have 14 days to withdraw from a distance contract without giving a reason. You must refund the consumer within the legal timeframe, including standard delivery costs, and you may withhold the refund until you receive the returned goods or proof of return. Certain goods are excluded from the withdrawal right.

Can I send marketing emails or SMS to customers without consent

Consent is usually required for direct marketing. A limited soft opt-in may apply when marketing similar products to existing customers whose details you obtained during a sale, provided they can opt out at any time and were informed upfront. Every message must identify the sender and include an easy unsubscribe method.

Do I need a Data Protection Officer for my e-shop

You need a Data Protection Officer only if your core activities require large-scale regular and systematic monitoring of individuals, or large-scale processing of special categories of data, or if you are otherwise legally required. Many small retailers do not need a DPO, but they still must comply with GDPR obligations.

How should I handle online reviews and influencer advertising

If you publish reviews, disclose whether and how you verify that they come from real customers. Do not manipulate reviews. Influencer posts must clearly indicate advertising status and must not mislead consumers about price, performance, or availability. Keep records of influencer agreements and disclosures.

What should I do after a data breach affecting customers

Assess the breach, contain it, and document facts and effects. If the breach is likely to result in a risk to individuals, notify the State Data Protection Inspectorate within 72 hours and inform affected individuals if there is a high risk to their rights and freedoms. Review security controls and update your incident response plan.

What are the price display and price reduction rules

Show total prices including VAT and unavoidable fees before checkout. When announcing a price reduction, show the prior price, which is the lowest price applied in the 30 days before the reduction, with limited exceptions. Do not present false scarcity or fake discounts.

Additional Resources

State Consumer Rights Protection Authority of the Republic of Lithuania - Valstybinė vartotojų teisių apsaugos tarnyba. This authority handles consumer complaints, mediation, unfair commercial practices, and price reduction supervision, and operates the Consumer Disputes Commission.

State Data Protection Inspectorate - Valstybinė duomenų apsaugos inspekcija. The national data protection authority provides guidance on GDPR compliance, handles breach notifications, and investigates complaints.

Communications Regulatory Authority of the Republic of Lithuania - Ryšių reguliavimo tarnyba. The regulator oversees electronic communications, aspects of trust services and e-identification, and supervises certain digital service obligations.

National Cyber Security Center under the Ministry of National Defence. The center issues cybersecurity guidance, coordinates incident response, and supports cyber resilience.

State Tax Inspectorate under the Ministry of Finance - Valstybinė mokesčių inspekcija. The tax authority administers VAT registrations, OSS and IOSS participation, invoicing rules, and compliance.

Centre of Registers - Registrų centras. The public registry handles company registration and maintains corporate records, and provides certain qualified trust and e-signature services.

State Patent Bureau of the Republic of Lithuania - Valstybinis patentų biuras. The office manages trademarks, designs, and patents in Lithuania and offers guidance on IP protection.

DOMREG - .lt domain registry operated by Kaunas University of Technology. The registry manages .lt domain registrations and publishes policy and procedural rules for domain holders.

Bank of Lithuania - Lietuvos bankas. The central bank supervises payment institutions, electronic money institutions, and PSD2 compliance, and issues guidance on strong customer authentication.

European Consumer Centre Lithuania - Europos vartotojų centras Lietuvoje. The center assists consumers with cross-border purchases within the EU and supports out-of-court dispute resolution.

Next Steps

Clarify your business model, markets, and product set. Identify whether you target Lithuanian consumers, other EU markets, or both, and whether you operate an e-shop, a marketplace, or a software or content service.

Conduct a legal and compliance audit. Map consumer journeys from browsing to checkout, review marketing and pricing practices, and identify all personal data processing and third-party integrations. Note any sector-specific rules for your products.

Prepare core documents. Have Lithuanian language terms and conditions, a transparent privacy notice, a cookie policy with consent mechanisms, returns and warranty procedures, and internal policies for data protection, security, and incident response.

Set up contracts. Put in place supplier agreements, data processing agreements with service providers, influencer and affiliate agreements, and IP licenses where needed. Ensure payment service arrangements meet PSD2 and strong customer authentication requirements.

Register and configure essentials. Complete business and tax registrations, assess VAT and OSS or IOSS participation, and ensure your .lt domain and brand protections are in order. Implement consent management and keep auditable logs.

Plan for disputes and inquiries. Establish a customer complaint workflow, designate contacts for consumer and data protection authorities, and prepare template responses for chargebacks, takedowns, and data subject requests.

Consult a local lawyer. An attorney experienced in Lithuanian and EU e-commerce rules can tailor documents to your operations, reduce risks, and represent you before authorities and the Marijampolė District Court if needed.

Keep policies updated. Monitor legal changes such as Digital Services Act enforcement, cybersecurity requirements, and consumer law updates, and review your policies and product pages regularly to stay compliant.

This guide is for general information only and is not legal advice. For advice on your situation in Marijampolė, Republic of Lithuania, consult a qualified lawyer.