Does WikiLaw protect your assets, or leave them exposed?

In today’s connected world, we all rely on the internet to provide us with answers and information that we seek. However, not all information is created equal and some information you find online can be generic, out of date, or simply incorrect.

In his latest blog article, Oliver Tasker, senior solicitor, looks at the potential pitfalls of relying solely on the advice of 'WikiLaw'.

In today’s connected world, we all rely on the internet to provide us with answers and information that we seek. How often have you googled your medical symptoms to try and find an online remedy rather than trying to make an appointment at the doctor’s? The problem is that Dr Google doesn’t know you, the patient, or your background and doesn’t have the medical qualifications to make a properly informed diagnosis. As such Googling can take you down a rabbit warren of results that may be generic, out of date or simply incorrect.

The same can be said for businesses relying solely on the advice of ‘WikiLaw’.

It is appreciated that small business owners face many financial pressures and spending money on lawyers is one of those costs that could be saved by turning to the internet. Especially for those tech savvy entrepreneurs, the web is convenient and the first place to turn when needing information and guidance.

This can be fine in the good times, when paperwork can be put to the back of the filing cabinet. But, in business, disputes are inevitable and without having the right documents, advice and strategies in place, it can leave you legally and commercially exposed.

For instance, there was the client who had ‘found’ an employment contract on the web only to find their ‘star’ employee, who they had spent considerable sums on training up, was moving to their competitor. How about the landlord who had signed up to an online Australian property scheme only to find out (too late) that the Australian way of doing things did not fulfil the English statutory requirements. Finally, there was the company whose manager had read a misguided blog that said they could absolve themselves of all liability by simply giving a disclaimer that ‘the Management Accepts No Responsibility…’

Whether it is a health problem or a legal problem, as the internet becomes more prevalent in people’s lives and in business, more and more will turn to the internet as their first port of call. However, the health of your business is important so don’t leave it until it is too late to put the necessary protection in place. At Wilkin Chapman we can help protect your business, so please contact one of our specialist solicitors for further advice.