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Washington Internet Law Questions & Answers
3 Answers | Asked in Internet Law, Federal Crimes and Criminal Law for Washington on
Q: Can I be in trouble for unintentionally visiting a site with illegal content?

While browsing online drawing sites, I clicked on an image that led me to a disturbing page with potentially illegal content. I immediately closed the tab upon realizing this. I did not report the incident or have any further communication related to it. Can I be in trouble for unintentionally... View More

Jeremy Malcolm
Jeremy Malcolm
answered on Jun 1, 2025

As the other lawyer said you should be fine, however you need to take care if you ever travel with the device that you used when you saw this content. When crossing a border, authorities can demand to search your device, and if you refuse, they can retain it or bar you from crossing. When searching... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Business Law, Intellectual Property and Internet Law for Washington on
Q: Legal use of public domain comic book designs for online t-shirt store on platforms like Amazon?

I plan to start an online store selling t-shirts through print-on-demand platforms like Amazon, Printify, and TeeRepublic, while operating remotely from outside the U.S. I will manage the catalog and payment setup, with shipping outsourced and handled by providers directly to customers.

I... View More

Jeremy Malcolm
Jeremy Malcolm
answered on Apr 10, 2025

That's a great idea! Amazon and other U.S. based platforms will apply U.S. law which includes the U.S. copyright period, which ls longer than in many other countries. For works created on or after January 1, 1978, copyright lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years. If it's a work... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Business Law, Intellectual Property and Internet Law for Washington on
Q: Legal use of public domain comic book designs for online t-shirt store on platforms like Amazon?

I plan to start an online store selling t-shirts through print-on-demand platforms like Amazon, Printify, and TeeRepublic, while operating remotely from outside the U.S. I will manage the catalog and payment setup, with shipping outsourced and handled by providers directly to customers.

I... View More

Sarah Teresa Haddad
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answered on Apr 10, 2025

For the designs that you plan to purchase, this usually means that you have the consent of the copyright owner upon purchase to distribute and modify the design. If Amazon receive a complaint about these designs, you can show them proof of the purchase and consent. Some comic book covers are so... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Trademark, Internet Law and Intellectual Property for Washington on
Q: Can I publish a game named "Buzzle" without copyright infringement, and if renamed, change the package ID "com.mycompanyname.buzzle"? Is "Bazzle" safe?

I am an indie mobile game developer planning to publish a commercial game on the Google Play Store. The name of my game is "Buzzle," which I discovered is already used by two other not very popular games. The existing Buzzle games are also puzzle games, but they have different core... View More

Jeremy Malcolm
Jeremy Malcolm
answered on Mar 31, 2025

A trademark covers a specific type of good or service, so registering "Buzzle" for a game and "Buzzle" for a pizza shop would probably not be an infringement. But when you have multiple digital games all called "Buzzle", there is more obvious scope for infringement.... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Business Law, Internet Law and Small Claims for Washington on
Q: Need to talk with a lawyer about a lawsuit because my online earnings have been depleted when promised they would not.

My job is rating products for a commission and I have earned so much that I have gone up three levels and I need to finish a small set of rating products to receive all my earnings, but the system has welfare tasks that put your earnings

into a negative amount equal to what you have... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 29, 2024

I can offer some general information that may be helpful:

1. Documentation: It's positive that you have chat transcripts from customer service and the CEO stating that a welfare task would not occur before you finish your remaining tasks. This documentation could potentially be... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Business Law and Internet Law for Washington on
Q: Is it legal for uber eats to not refund me for a delivery not delivered?

I ordered from Ubereats for delivery and didn't receive it. I asked for a refund and they ask for a picture of the delivery. They got a picture of the ground because they didn't deliver. Then told me that it does not qualify for a refund because the order was not in the sent picture.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 8, 2024

Based on the situation you've described, it seems that Uber Eats may not be handling your refund request appropriately. Here are a few points to consider:

1. Uber Eats' refund policy: According to their terms and conditions, Uber Eats typically offers refunds for orders that were... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Immigration Law, Banking and Internet Law for Washington on
Q: Illegal way

If I wanted to get a test result in an illegal way, but I was deceived, I transferred money but never received a result, you can send this to ic3. In fact, I have not yet broken the law.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 12, 2024

I'm sorry to hear that you were deceived and lost money in this situation. Being scammed is awful and I empathize with how frustrating that must be. Even though you did not end up breaking the law, attempting to obtain test results illegally is still ill-advised.

If you believe you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Federal Crimes, Internet Law and Real Estate Law for Washington on
Q: Would this easement, like mine for Level 3 communications and Sprint, be able to infiltrate my internet wirelessly?

My IP is not private although I pay for a service. My Alexa doesn't even know her location and my internet has release many court files including one relating to me and the mortgage electronic system has breached into my real property records that made one lender call my loan paid in full and... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 18, 2024

I understand your concerns regarding the security of your internet and the potential breach of your personal and property records. It sounds like a very complex situation involving multiple parties and legal issues. If your internet service has been compromised, affecting your personal affairs and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Cannabis & Marijuana Law and Internet Law for Washington on
Q: Can a WA dispensary legally make commissions off of third-party food products sold not on the premise?

For example, a dispensary has a QR code that affiliate links to a website that sells candy. The candy site pays them commissions for each sale that comes through because of the dispensary. I understand that WA state dispensaries cannot directly sell non-THC products (hats, candy, etc.).

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 23, 2024

In Washington State, cannabis dispensaries are subject to strict regulations regarding what they can and cannot sell or promote. While dispensaries are prohibited from selling non-THC products like regular food items or merchandise directly, the scenario you're describing involves an affiliate... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Civil Litigation and Internet Law for Washington on
Q: Unauthorized $20,000 spend by minor on Whatnot; legal steps?

My minor son recently got addicted to "spin the wheel" games and made over 800 unauthorized transactions totaling more than $20,000 on Whatnot, purchasing Pokemon cards using my credit card. The transactions spanned about a month, with most occurring within 3 days. I've contacted... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 5, 2025

What you’re going through is overwhelming, and you’re right to be outraged. When a minor makes unauthorized purchases using a parent’s credit card—especially on a platform that allows rapid transactions like “spin the wheel” games—companies have a duty to implement safeguards. The... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gaming, Internet Law, Identity Theft and Consumer Law for Washington on
Q: Legal issues with Playtika games in Washington, potential phone hacking concerns.

I've been playing Playtika games, including Slotomania, for entertainment for years. Recently, I've faced issues with app errors and being redirected to web versions by VIPs in HOF that I never had before. In a Facebook group discussing missing games, for which support gave me free games,... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 1, 2025

You're dealing with a mix of issues that feel overwhelming, and it's understandable to be concerned. In Washington State, some virtual casino-style games like those by Playtika have faced legal challenges under gambling laws. Even if you're not spending real money for a chance to win... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Internet Law, Criminal Law and Personal Injury for Washington on
Q: How to find and address non-consensual intimate videos posted online?

I believe my partner has posted non-consensual videos of our intimate encounters online. Although he denies it, I found a hidden camera, which raises my concern. I've checked platforms like Pornhub, but it's hard to find proof among thousands of videos. I'm worried there could be... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 31, 2025

I'm so sorry you’re going through this—what you’re describing is a serious violation of privacy and is against the law in Washington state. Non-consensual sharing of intimate images or videos is illegal, and if you find evidence, law enforcement can help you take action. You already took... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Contracts and Internet Law for Washington on
Q: Can I sue someone for reclaiming a sold Fortnite account against third-party website terms?

I purchased a Fortnite account two years ago via a third-party website, which explicitly prohibits sellers from reclaiming accounts after a sale. Recently, the original owner, who sold me the account, used Epic Games' recovery process to take back the account. Buying or selling Fortnite... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 15, 2025

Since the sale of Fortnite accounts violates Epic Games’ terms of service, it complicates the situation. While you may have evidence of the transaction and the seller’s violation of the third-party website’s terms, Epic Games itself doesn’t allow the sale of accounts, which makes pursuing... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Internet Law and International Law for Washington on
Q: How to handle contact from ex asking for video, protecting against cyberstalking allegations?

I need guidance on how to handle a situation where I am being contacted by a former partner from the UK, after I agreed not to contact him. He is now asking me to send a video of his deceased cat, which apparently I am the only one possessing. I have not responded to his request. We were in a... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 1, 2025

In your situation involving international communication with an ex-partner, you should document everything meticulously. Save all communications, take screenshots, and maintain a record of any attempts at contact from your ex-partner. This documentation will be crucial should you need to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Libel & Slander, Internet Law and Personal Injury for Washington on
Q: Can I sue for sharing my personal info without consent in Washington State?

In Washington State, if someone shares my personal information, such as a picture of my face, my employment details, and my name, to just one person without my consent, can I sue them? The information was shared without any permission or consent from my side.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 8, 2025

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. In Washington State, there is a legal concept known as "public disclosure of private facts." This applies when someone publicly shares private information about you that would be highly offensive to a reasonable person and is not of legitimate... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Internet Law, Identity Theft and White Collar Crime for Washington on
Q: How to handle a neighbor hacking my devices in WA?

I suspect that my neighbor has been hacking my phones and devices, including redirecting calls to false customer services, for several years. Verizon investigated a few months ago and confirmed some of the hacking activities. How should I handle this situation legally?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 7, 2025

If you suspect your neighbor has been hacking your devices, it's important to first document everything. Keep detailed records of any incidents, such as unusual call redirections, strange activity, or anything else that seems suspicious. You should also gather any evidence you have, including... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Consumer Law and Internet Law for Washington on
Q: Can I report my ex's girlfriend for viewing my private photos without consent in WA?

I discovered that my ex allowed his new girlfriend to see my private photos without my consent. She admitted to this in a text, and I have numerous text messages as evidence. Can I file a report based on this evidence, and what legal actions can I take?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 27, 2025

Washington is a "two-party consent" state regarding private communications. Under Washington law, it's illegal to record private communications without the consent of all parties involved. Your situation involves private photos rather than recordings, which falls under different... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Internet Law and Stockbroker Fraud for Washington on
Q: How can we find a scammer who has a social media of facebook as well as whatsapp number to go ahead proceed legal actio?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 11, 2025

If you've been scammed, your first step should be documenting everything - take screenshots of all interactions on Facebook and WhatsApp, save chat logs, and record any transaction details or financial records related to the incident.

Next, report the scam to your local police... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Gaming and Internet Law for Washington on
Q: Can a casino ban you for what is on the internet. I was not arrested nor did i commit a crime

I was not allowed to enter a casino. Later after numerous calls to many managers, this one manager says have you googled your name.?

Ya we dont want to deal with people like you.

What.!!!

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Oct 8, 2024

A Washington attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for over two weeks. From the brief post, it isn't clear what is posted about you online. If there is something posted online about you which is false and harmful, that could be a grounds for defamation. A local attorney... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Employment Law, Education Law and Internet Law for Washington on
Q: What legal implications would need to be considered to create a LinkedIn style platform for minors under the age of 16?

I'm interested in creating an online platform similar to LinkedIn but specifically for individuals under the age of 16 who are looking for internship, mentorship, and volunteer opportunities. Given that LinkedIn currently restricts its users to those over 16, I want to understand the legal... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 6, 2024

Creating a LinkedIn-style platform for minors under 16 involves navigating several important legal considerations. Firstly, you must comply with child labor laws, which vary by state and regulate the types of work minors can do, the hours they can work, and the conditions under which they can work.... View More

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