PUPPY OF THE MONTH - LEGAL REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTEST LAUNCH

This file outlines the legal requirements that must be implemented before launching the puppy contest website:

🔴 CRITICAL LEGAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. BUSINESS REGISTRATION:
   - Register "Puppy of the Month LLC" as a legal business entity
   - Obtain EIN (Employer Identification Number) from IRS
   - Register for state business licenses where operating

2. CONTEST LAWS COMPLIANCE:
   - Research state promotion/sweepstakes laws (varies by state)
   - File required contest registrations (NY, FL, RI require registration)
   - Post required bonds if prize values exceed state thresholds
   - Include "NO PURCHASE NECESSARY" disclaimers

3. TAX OBLIGATIONS:
   - Set up systems to issue 1099-MISC forms for prizes $600+
   - Withhold taxes if required by state/federal law
   - Maintain records of all prize distributions

4. PRIVACY & DATA PROTECTION:
   - Implement SSL certificate for HTTPS
   - Create data retention and deletion policies
   - Ensure COPPA compliance (no data from users under 13)
   - Implement CCPA compliance for California residents

5. REQUIRED LEGAL DOCUMENTS:
   ✅ Terms of Service (implemented)
   ✅ Privacy Policy (implemented) 
   ✅ Contest Rules (implemented)
   ✅ COPPA Compliance Page (implemented)
   - Cookie Policy
   - Data Processing Agreement
   - Age Verification System

6. FINANCIAL & BANKING:
   - Business banking account for prize payments
   - Accounting system for contest finances
   - Insurance coverage for contest operations
   - Payment processor agreements (PayPal, Stripe, etc.)

7. CONTENT & MODERATION:
   - Photo content moderation policies
   - Inappropriate content reporting system
   - Copyright infringement procedures
   - User conduct enforcement

8. TECHNICAL SECURITY:
   - Regular security audits
   - Data backup and recovery systems
   - User data encryption
   - Fraud detection systems

⚠️ RECOMMENDATIONS BEFORE LAUNCH:

1. Consult with an attorney specializing in:
   - Online contest/sweepstakes law
   - Data privacy regulations
   - Business licensing requirements

2. Consider starting with smaller prize amounts initially

3. Test all legal processes with real users

4. Implement comprehensive logging for compliance

5. Set up customer support system for legal inquiries

📧 CONTACTS NEEDED:
- Business attorney
- Accountant/CPA
- Insurance agent
- Payment processor representative

This website is currently set up with the technical infrastructure needed, but professional legal review is essential before launching with real cash prizes.