Best E-commerce & Internet Law Lawyers in Shizuoka

About E-commerce & Internet Law Law in Shizuoka, Japan:

This guide explains the main legal topics that affect online businesses and internet activity in Shizuoka Prefecture. E-commerce and internet law in Japan is governed mainly by national statutes that apply across all prefectures, with local authorities in Shizuoka offering enforcement, guidance, and dispute-resolution services. Key national laws include consumer protection rules, privacy and personal data laws, payment and financial regulation, intellectual property protection, and rules on electronic contracts and advertising. Local agencies and the prefectural government help apply those laws, handle consumer complaints, and provide business support for companies based in Shizuoka.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Running an online business or dealing with internet-related legal issues often raises complex, technical, and time-sensitive questions. You may need a lawyer in the following common situations:

• Drafting or reviewing standard contract documents such as Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, Refund and Shipping Policies, and B2B agreements to ensure compliance with Japanese law.
• Complying with the Act on Specified Commercial Transactions and the Consumer Contract Act, including required display items and cancellation rules for online sales.
• Implementing personal data protection measures and privacy policies under the Act on the Protection of Personal Information, including cross-border data transfers and vendor contracts.
• Responding to a data breach, security incident, or regulatory inquiry from administrative authorities such as the Personal Information Protection Commission.
• Defending against consumer complaints, chargebacks, or administrative penalties, or representing you in mediation or litigation.
• Addressing intellectual property disputes, takedown requests, or allegations of infringement for content, trademarks, designs, and software.
• Navigating regulated products - for example food, cosmetics, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, or financial services - where sales may require additional licensing and labeling compliance.
• Handling cross-border e-commerce issues such as export controls, customs, tax, and jurisdictional disputes.
• Dealing with platform disputes - for example with major marketplace operators over suspension, account termination, or escrow issues.
• Structuring risk management - limitation of liability clauses, insurance, dispute-resolution clauses, and governance for remote or international operations.

Local Laws Overview

While national laws set the legal framework, Shizuoka-specific considerations include local enforcement, consumer assistance, and administrative procedures that can affect how laws are applied in practice. The following are the main legal topics that every online business operator in Shizuoka should know:

• Act on Specified Commercial Transactions - Requires clear display of business name, address, contact information, pricing, shipping and handling fees, payment methods, and cancellation/return policies. Mail-order rules and display obligations apply to online retailers operating in Shizuoka.
• Act on the Protection of Personal Information - Sets rules for collecting, using, storing, and transferring personal data. Once you handle personal information of customers, you must prepare a privacy policy, obtain necessary consents for sensitive processing, and implement appropriate security measures. Cross-border transfers may require safeguards or consent.
• Consumer Contract Act and Consumer Protection - Prohibits unfair contract terms and abusive practices; consumers have rights that can invalidate or modify contracts in certain cases. Local consumer centers in Shizuoka help mediate disputes and can escalate issues to national agencies.
• Act on Regulation of Transmission of Specified Electronic Mail - Regulates commercial email and spam. Consent and clear opt-out mechanisms are required for many types of commercial electronic messaging.
• Electronic Signatures and Certification - Electronic signatures are legally recognized if they meet statutory requirements. This enables online contracting, but proper authentication processes are important for enforcing agreements.
• Intellectual Property Laws - Copyright, trademark, and unfair competition laws protect original content, brand names, and proprietary information. You must respect others rights and can seek remedies through administrative and judicial channels in Shizuoka.
• Payment and Financial Regulation - Payment services, certain electronic money services, and fund-transfer services may fall under national financial regulations enforced by the Financial Services Agency. Comply with anti-money laundering rules where applicable.
• Product Regulation and Labeling - Sales of regulated goods - such as food, cosmetics, medical-related items, and electrical products - must comply with national safety, labeling, and registration requirements. Local government agencies and health inspectors in Shizuoka conduct inspections and enforce standards.
• Tax and Local Business Registration - National consumption tax and income or corporate tax obligations apply. Local registrations and notifications to the prefectural or municipal authorities may be required for physical premises and certain business types.
• Enforcement and Dispute Resolution - Shizuoka Prefectural consumer centers, the local police cybercrime units, and administrative agencies operate regionally. Alternative dispute resolution and voluntary mediation are often used to resolve consumer complaints before court.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do national e-commerce laws apply in Shizuoka, or are there special prefectural rules?

National statutes govern most e-commerce issues, so the law is largely the same across Japan. Prefectural agencies in Shizuoka enforce these rules locally and can issue guidance, handle complaints, and perform inspections. Some administrative procedures or permits may be handled at the prefectural or municipal level.

What information must I display on my online shop selling to customers in Shizuoka?

Under the Act on Specified Commercial Transactions, you must display your business name, physical address, telephone number, prices, shipping fees, payment methods, delivery times, and return or cancellation policy. Missing or misleading information can attract administrative action or consumer claims.

How should I handle customer personal data to comply with Japanese law?

Adopt a written privacy policy describing what data you collect, why you collect it, how you use it, how long you retain it, and whether you transfer it overseas. Implement security controls, employee training, and vendor contracts. Obtain consent when required and allow data subject requests for access, correction, or deletion where applicable.

What must I do if a data breach occurs?

Act quickly - contain the breach, assess the impact, and notify affected individuals and relevant authorities when legally required. Document your response steps. Legal counsel can help determine notification obligations and coordinate communication to limit liability and reputational harm.

Are electronic contracts enforceable in Japan?

Yes. Electronic contracts and electronic signatures are generally enforceable if they meet statutory reliability requirements. For higher-risk transactions, you should use clear authentication and logging procedures and retain evidence of consent and transaction records.

Can consumers demand refunds or cancel online purchases?

Consumers have strong protections. While there is no automatic general right to cancel all online purchases, specific categories and unfair contract terms are regulated. You should provide clear return and refund policies and follow the applicable rules under consumer protection laws.

What are my obligations when selling regulated products such as cosmetics or food?

Regulated products often require specific labeling, safety standards, or premarket notifications. You must ensure compliance with applicable ministries regulations, maintain product safety records, and be prepared for inspections. Consult a lawyer for product-specific regulatory requirements.

How do I handle intellectual property disputes involving content or product listings?

Respond promptly to takedown notices and consider whether to remove allegedly infringing content while you investigate. If you believe a claim is unfounded, gather evidence of your rights and consider a counter-notice or legal action. A lawyer can advise on enforcement or defense, and on registering trademarks or copyrights to strengthen protection.

What if my online marketplace account is suspended by a platform?

Review the platform rules and the reason for suspension, gather supporting documents, and use the platform appeals process. If the platform refuses reinstatement and you suffer significant loss, consult a lawyer about negotiating with the platform, arbitration, or pursuing damages where appropriate.

Do I need a special license to accept online payments?

Most standard merchant payment processing does not require a special license, but operating payment services, electronic money, or certain cross-border remittance services may trigger regulatory licensing under the Payment Services Act and related financial regulations. If you plan to operate or resell payment services, seek specialist legal advice.

Additional Resources

These organizations and bodies can provide guidance, complaint handling, and practical support for e-commerce and internet legal matters in Shizuoka:

• Shizuoka Prefectural Government - local administrative departments for commerce, industry, and consumer affairs.
• Shizuoka Prefectural Consumer Center - assists residents with consumer complaints and dispute mediation.
• Consumer Affairs Agency - national consumer protection authority that issues guidance for online commerce.
• Personal Information Protection Commission - national authority on personal data protection and privacy rules.
• Shizuoka Bar Association - to find qualified local lawyers experienced in e-commerce, data protection, and internet law.
• Japan Patent Office - for intellectual property registration and guidance on trademarks and designs.
• Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry - publishes guidance on e-commerce best practices and regulatory matters.
• Financial Services Agency - for issues related to payments, electronic money, and financial regulation.
• National Police Agency - cybercrime and online fraud investigation units for reporting criminal activity.
• Local chamber of commerce and small business support centers in Shizuoka - for business setup, permits, and practical e-commerce support.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance for an e-commerce or internet law issue in Shizuoka, use the following practical steps to move forward:

1. Gather documents - collect contracts, website terms, privacy policies, correspondence, transaction records, and any notices or claims you received. Clear documentation speeds assessment and advice.
2. Identify the issue - determine whether the problem is consumer complaints, data privacy, IP infringement, regulatory compliance, payment disputes, or criminal fraud. This helps match you with a specialist lawyer.
3. Contact local support - for non-urgent consumer complaints consider contacting the Shizuoka Prefectural Consumer Center for mediation and guidance. For suspected crime, contact the police cybercrime unit.
4. Find a lawyer - consult the Shizuoka Bar Association or local legal directory to find an attorney experienced in e-commerce, privacy, or IP law. Look for advisors who can communicate in the language you prefer if you are not fluent in Japanese.
5. Request an initial consultation - prepare a concise summary of facts, key documents, and specific questions. Ask about scope of work, estimated fees, and likely timelines before engaging the lawyer.
6. Implement risk controls - work with counsel to update policies, terms, data processing agreements, security measures, and consumer-facing disclosures to limit future exposure.
7. Consider insurance and alternative dispute resolution - evaluate business insurance for cyber incidents and consider mediation or ADR to resolve disputes efficiently and cost-effectively.
8. Maintain compliance - adopt regular compliance reviews and staff training to keep up with legal changes and reduce the risk of enforcement action.

If you are unsure where to start, a short legal consultation can clarify whether the matter can be resolved through consumer mediation, administrative guidance, or requires litigation. Early legal advice often reduces cost and risk and helps protect your business reputation in Shizuoka and beyond.