Are there any special rules for unfair competition related to the internet?

In North Carolina, unfair competition law exists to protect businesses from deceptive practices initiated by competitors. This includes any actions meant to mislead or confuse consumers in the marketplace. While other states have statutes that specifically outline regulations related to the internet, North Carolina does not, but the law does cover unfair competition related to the internet. When it comes to internet-related activities, courts in North Carolina have traditionally examined them under the umbrella of unfair competition law. This means that whatever activities a business engages in must be undertaken in a fair and non-misleading manner. Some of the activities that courts have found to be deceptive and in violation of unfair competition law have included false advertising, false representations, and the creation of a false “likelihood of confusion” with a competitor’s products or services. In addition to the traditional regulations found in North Carolina’s unfair competition law, courts may also take into consideration new forms of digital technologies as they relate to unfair competition. For example, the courts may consider matters such as the use of social media, online reviews, and other forms of digital marketing when determining whether a business has violated the law. Therefore, while North Carolina does not have specific regulations for unfair competition related to the internet, businesses should be aware that unfair competition laws still apply. As such, they should take extra precaution to ensure they are not committing deceptive practices in their online activities.

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Are there any special rules for unfair competition related to the internet?

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