While a universally accepted definition of the Internet of Things (IoT) does not yet exist, the phrase has been coined to refer to the ability of everyday objects to connect to the Internet and to send and receive data. Thus, we are not far from living in a world where every device — from the tiny sensors on your doors and windows to the largest home appliances — has Internet capability that renders it not only uniquely identifiable, but accessible from anywhere you have Internet access.

Examples of IoT products include smart appliances, vehicle-to-vehicle technology, health monitoring devices, drones and smart utility grids. Although some of these examples are either currently in use or in development, the future looks to bring many variations and applications of the IoT.

Originally published in Bloomberg BNA's Electronic Commerce & Law Report, 20 ECLR 379, 3/11/15.