Legal Guidance and Research / Experts / Sophie Stoneham
Sophie Stoneham#12242

Sophie Stoneham

I enjoy helping consumer-facing brands launch and operate e-commerce platforms, marketplaces, online shops, websites and other applications. I often work on complex international projects where clients are looking to set-up, operate and comply with local laws and regulations globally. My areas of expertise include advising on regulatory compliance issues, particularly in the field of consumer law and marketing, user journeys and customer purchase journeys. I also assist clients with various types of terms and conditions, notices, subscription contracts, EULAs, commercial contracts, influencer contracts, product/service launches and advertising campaigns.

I also spent six months working in the Consumer Enforcement Team at the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority. 

In addition to my specialism in business-to-consumer matters, I assist clients with business-to-business transactions. In particular, I have worked on franchise agreements, distribution agreements and other service contracts.

I have a keen interest in video gaming, and enjoy working with clients in that sector particularly when launching and operating new games and advising on consumer laws, advertising, age rating and other commercial issues. 

Practice Area

Panel

  • Contributing Author

Qualified Year

  • 2021

Experience

  • Bird & Bird LLP, London (2019 - Present)
  • Competition and Markets Authority, London (2022 - 2023)

Qualifications

  • B.S. Psychology (2012-2016)
  • Graduate Diploma in Law (2016-2018)
  • Legal Practice Course (2018-2019)

Education

  • University of Bath (2012-2016)
  • University of Law (2016-2018)
  • BPP University (2018-2019)

1 Contributions by Sophie Stoneham

In-app purchases: UK consumer protection, advertising, online safety and best practice (CPUTR to DMCCA transition, CCR digital content, CMA/ASA/CAP guidance)
PRACTICE NOTES
In-app purchases: UK consumer protection, advertising, online safety and best practice (CPUTR to DMCCA transition, CCR digital content, CMA/ASA/CAP guidance)
This Practice Note discusses the key legal and commercial issues relevant to in-app purchases and consumer protection. It explores the context and key terms, outlines the present consumer protection regime covering in-app purchases, and also considers forthcoming changes, relevant non-binding industry guidance, and practical best practice suggestions for developers. Mobile applications now permeate daily life, mirroring the widespread adoption of smartphones, tablets and other portable computing devices. As usage has expanded, developers have increasingly sought to generate income from substantial user communities. Paying for content or functionality within apps—rather than, or alongside, paying for the app itself—has become the norm. However, developers have been criticised for not ensuring that in-app purchasing is sufficiently transparent or easy for consumers to understand and control. This Practice Note: Reviews the background and terminology from a UK consumer law perspective Sets out the current UK consumer protection framework for in-app purchases and anticipated developments Identifies non-binding industry guidance that may apply to in-app purchases and provides best practice tips for developers For a general background to the app development environment...
TMT
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