What is Legal Research?
- Content Type:
- Glossary
Legal Research Definition
A broad term encompassing various techniques (such as mock juries and opinion polling) that are used to develop and test legal arguments and opinions of legal issues.
Legal research in marketing research refers to the process of identifying, analyzing and applying laws, regulations and legal precedents that govern marketing practices, data collection, consumer rights, advertising standards and market activities.
What are the key characteristics of legal research in marketing research?
- Focuses on laws, regulations and compliance requirements.
- Includes national, regional and industry-specific legal frameworks.
- Involves analyzing statutes, case law and regulatory guidelines
- Ensures ethical and lawful data collection and marketing practices.
- Requires up-to-date knowledge due to changing regulations.
- Often involves collaboration with legal professionals.
Why is legal research important in market research?
Legal research is important because it ensures that marketing research activities comply with laws, protect consumer privacy, avoid legal disputes and maintain public trust. It safeguards organizations from penalties, reputational damage and operational disruptions.
Who relies on legal research in the marketing research industry?
Market researchers, compliance officers, corporate legal teams, advertising agencies, brand managers, data protection officers and regulatory bodies rely on legal research to guide lawful marketing practices.
How do market researchers use legal research?
Market researchers use legal research to ensure compliance with privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA), intellectual property laws, advertising standards and industry codes of conduct. They apply findings to design compliant surveys, manage consumer data ethically and ensure truthful and lawful marketing communications.