The Office of Career Advancement & Networking and Alliance School of Law at Alliance University hosted the General Counsel Meet 2024 for law students, bringing together prominent General Counsels from various B2C sectors, including FMCG and real estate. The event, held under the theme "Balancing Innovation and Compliance: Legal Complexities in B2C Commerce," provided valuable insights into the legal challenges businesses face in the rapidly evolving B2C landscape.

Panel I: Data Breach and IP Infringement

The first panel focused on critical issues in B2C commerce, such as data breaches and intellectual property (IP) infringement.

• Regulatory Compliance Across Regions

Discussions covered the complexities of regulatory compliance across regions, addressing how businesses must navigate varied legal standards in different jurisdictions.

• Consumer Protection Laws

Consumer protection laws and their adaptation to regional regulations on warranties, quality, and consumer rights were explored, highlighting the importance of compliance with local standards.

• Marketing Regulations and Risk Management

Marketing regulations, especially in online advertising, were discussed, emphasizing the need to manage risks effectively in a digital-first world.

• Product Liability and Recall Strategies

Product liability and strategies for managing defects and recalls were crucial topics, focusing on ensuring product safety and consumer trust.

• Sustainability and ESG Considerations

The panel also covered sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, stressing the importance of integrating packaging, emissions, and waste regulations into business operations.

• Data Privacy and IP Protection

Data privacy concerns were addressed, particularly about global privacy laws and the management of data breaches. The protection of intellectual property in international markets was another significant point, with an emphasis on strategies to combat IP theft.

Panel II: Dispute Management and Regulatory Challenges

The second panel examined effective dispute management and vital regulatory challenges in B2C commerce.

• Contracts and Dispute Resolution: Discussions included handling global service contracts and limitations in dispute resolution, emphasising the importance of clear contractual obligations.

• Data and Privacy Laws Compliance: Another focal point was maintaining compliance with data and privacy laws, addressing the challenges companies face in adhering to data protection regulations across borders.

• Cybersecurity and Crisis Management: Cybersecurity management and crisis protocols for data breaches were discussed, highlighting best practices in addressing data security threats.

• Cross-Border Services and Digital Licensing: The panel also explored issues related to cross-border services, tax compliance, consumer rights, and the challenges of managing intellectual property in digital and SaaS services.

Gig Economy Employment Law and Consumer Complaints

Employment law for gig economy workers was examined, focusing on workers' rights and protections. The panel concluded with a discussion on developing effective consumer complaint-handling mechanisms.

This event provided a platform for law students to engage with industry leaders and gain insights into the evolving challenges of B2C commerce. It underscored Alliance University's commitment to preparing students for the complexities of the modern legal and business environment.