Rafelson Law Firm
Earth’s Most seller-Centric Law Firm
A law firm built exclusively for eCommerce, Corporate law, Intellectual Property, M&A (Exit), Amazon Suspensions, Disputes, and more.
Paul Rafelson in the News
Paul Rafelson Featured on Spotify Podcasts:
- Mastering Regulations for eCommerce Success
- Legal Expertise for your Amazon Business ft. Paul Rafelson of SellerBasic`s
- The IRS will Get their Pound of Flesh. Part1
- The IRS will Get their Pound of Flesh. Part2
CNN Interview and Article Featuring Paul Rafelson:
Ecommerce Lawyer Services at Rafelson Law
Mergers & Acquisitions
Looking for an Exit Navigator?
Rafelson Law has facilitated the sale of over 80 businesses, enabling them to sell their brand (“Exit”) and realizing over $362 million in closing cash for our clients. We can leverage our insight, market data, and connections to make sure you are negotiating market terms for your Exit deal. Get a Free Exit Evaluation (M&A)Amazon Account Protection and Reinstatement Support
Most complex Amazon suspensions require legal analysis, which is why it is important to work with a qualified amazon lawyer who knows the law and Amazon to help you with your suspension, IP claim, performance notification, compliance or other Amazon issues. We provide flat-rate appeals and plan of action support, with no extra hidden fees. Get a ConsultationFull-Service Corporate Law & Dispute Resolution
Form an LLC, update your operating agreement, drafting or negotiating a contract, we have you covered. Have a dispute with a supplier, customer or competitor? We can help! Get a ConsultationRecent Posts
- Legal Primer for Brand Owners: Setting Up a TikTok Shop
Introduction TikTok is rapidly becoming a preferred platform for online sellers, particularly brand owners aiming to boost sales through the TikTok Shop Seller Center. Whether you are considering how to sell on TikTok Shop or already operating as a TikTok seller, understanding and navigating the platform’s legal landscape is critical for compliance and brand protection.… Read more: Legal Primer for Brand Owners: Setting Up a TikTok Shop - Buying and Selling an eCommerce Business: Your Comprehensive Guide to a Successful Transaction
Introduction Whether you’re exploring businesses for sale near you, evaluating an online shop for sale, or considering buy-sale-trade opportunities, navigating the complexities of eCommerce transactions demands strategic planning. From understanding purchase agreements and due diligence to accurate market valuation and legal negotiation, the role of experienced lawyers and advisors can significantly enhance your eCommerce transaction… Read more: Buying and Selling an eCommerce Business: Your Comprehensive Guide to a Successful Transaction - The Ultimate Hazard of Litigation – When Your eCom Lawyer Practices Law School not Practical Law
“But I’m right!” my client exclaims, their voice rising with frustration. “They breached the contract! I should sue!” Ah, the classic client conundrum. They’re convinced they have a slam-dunk case, ready to march into court and demand justice. That’s when I hit them with the question: “Do you want the law school exam answer, or… Read more: The Ultimate Hazard of Litigation – When Your eCom Lawyer Practices Law School not Practical Law - Copyright on Amazon: Protection at a Price
Copyright is an essential form of intellectual property (IP) protection for Amazon sellers and online business owners, offering legal safeguards for creative assets. but enforcing it effectively often requires legal action, which can be costly. Sure, it protects original works like photos, videos, and written content, but when it comes to real enforcement on Amazon,… Read more: Copyright on Amazon: Protection at a Price - Tired of Losing to Competitors Who Break the Law? Here’s How to Strike Back on Amazon
Key Takeaways Common unlawful tactics include deceptive advertising, review manipulation, counterfeiting, bait-and-switch pricing, and regulatory non-compliance (FDA, EPA, safety standards). Documentation — screenshots, test purchases, and saved communications — is the foundation of any complaint. Federal agencies (FDA, EPA) and Amazon’s own reporting mechanisms (Brand Registry, Report Abuse) are the main enforcement channels. Working through… Read more: Tired of Losing to Competitors Who Break the Law? Here’s How to Strike Back on Amazon - TikTok Commerce and Brand Authorization: What Amazon Sellers Should Know
As TikTok expands its footprint in eCommerce, its TikTok Shops feature allows businesses to sell products directly through the app. For Amazon sellers considering diversifying their sales channels, TikTok offers exciting opportunities to tap into a highly engaged audience. However, just like Amazon’s Brand Registry, TikTok requires sellers to follow certain steps to protect intellectual… Read more: TikTok Commerce and Brand Authorization: What Amazon Sellers Should Know - Supreme Court Decision South Dakota v. Wayfair: Physical Presence Incorrect
“Deciphering Wayfair: Why The World Isn’t Ending For Online Merchants” Today, in a 5–4 decision, the Supreme Court of the United States overturned the 50-year-old rule requiring businesses to have a physical presence to be required to collect sales tax. You may think that because physical presence has been overturned states like California, Washington and… Read more: Supreme Court Decision South Dakota v. Wayfair: Physical Presence Incorrect - Amazon Exit Strategy
Key Takeaways The market for Amazon brands is currently a seller’s market, driven by well-funded aggregators acquiring brands at scale. Aggregators primarily target sellers with their own branded products — not arbitrage or wholesale resellers. Brokers typically charge 10% to 15% commission and may add value when a brand qualifies as a “strategic” investment. Working… Read more: Amazon Exit Strategy - Amazon’s Notice That They Are Turning Over Your Company Data: Now What?
The New California Sales Tax & What Amazon Sellers Can Do On October 23rd, 2018, Amazon sellers received a notice from Amazon stating that the company would be turning over seller information to the California Department of Tax and Free Administration (CDTFA) on November 6th, 2018. Based on my experience representing taxpayers currently dealing with… Read more: Amazon’s Notice That They Are Turning Over Your Company Data: Now What?
Paul Rafelson: Championing E-Commerce and Antitrust Advocacy
P
aul Rafelson, founder of Rafelson Law PLLC, is a distinguished ecommerce lawyer with a comprehensive background in intellectual property law, business law, mergers and acquisitions, tax, and other areas crucial to e-commerce sellers. His legal expertise is deeply rooted in his commitment to supporting online entrepreneurs and ensuring they have the tools and protections necessary to thrive in the digital marketplace.
Rafelson is a leading advocate for fair competition, particularly challenging the dominance of major e-commerce platforms like Amazon. He has been instrumental in pushing for antitrust investigations to address anti-competitive practices, ensuring a level playing field for smaller businesses and startups. His efforts aim to curb monopolistic behaviors and promote a more equitable marketplace.
In the realm of mergers and acquisitions, Rafelson provides strategic legal counsel to clients involved in the complex processes of buying and selling online businesses. His guidance is especially valuable to aggregators looking to expand their portfolios through strategic acquisitions, helping them navigate regulatory requirements and maximize the value of their deals.
Beyond his advocacy and M&A expertise, Rafelson is a thought leader in the e-commerce community, frequently speaking at industry conferences and contributing insights on the future of digital commerce. His work in intellectual property law helps protect the innovations and brands of online sellers, ensuring they remain competitive in a rapidly changing environment.
Through Rafelson Law, Paul continues to champion the rights of e-commerce entrepreneurs, offering expert guidance across various legal domains. His dedication to fostering an equitable environment for online businesses ensures that companies of all sizes can succeed in the digital age.