[Direct answer]Yes, but there are prerequisites. Whether the right to operate an online store (such as an e-commerce platform store) can be inherited depends on the platform rules and the nature of the store: if the store is registered under a natural person's real name and the platform allows subject changes, it can be inherited by the successor as a right with property interests; for some platform stores that are bound to real-name credit and do not support transfer of ownership, only the financial and inventory assets in the account can be inherited, not the right to operate the store itself. In practice, the key lies in whether the "store has transferable property value" and whether the platform allows inheritance or subject changes.

1. Problem background and typical scenarios

Many families rely on an online store to make a living. When the store owner suddenly passes away, the family's greatest concern is "whether the store can continue to operate". In reality, platform rules vary widely: some stores allow subject changes, while others strictly require real-name verification and only allow withdrawal of account balances. The inheritance of online stores often gets stuck in the distinction between "operating rights" and "property rights", which is far more complex than the inheritance of bank deposits. What's more challenging is that many online stores are tied to the store owner's personal credit, real-name authentication, and face recognition. Even if the heir obtains the account password, the platform may refuse to operate due to mismatched real names. At this point, what can be inherited is often not the operating rights, but the remaining assets after liquidation and monetization, which is a huge gap from the expectation of "taking over and continuing to operate the store". This is also the most overlooked pitfall in the inheritance of digital assets - heirs often think they can take over with the password, but in reality, they get stuck in platform rules and real-name verification, ultimately having to follow the path of liquidation. In the end, the difficulty of online store inheritance has never been about "whether it's possible", but about "how to implement it" - clarifying platform rules, sorting out the relationship between name and identity, and making a will in advance. Only by completing these three steps can the operating rights or monetization value truly and completely pass to the next generation, rather than just remaining as "theoretically possible".

II. Key points of dispute

First, the distinction between the right to operate and the property rights in the account. Second, the platform's rules restricting inheritance and changes in the subject of the contract. Third, the preliminary arrangements for the disposition of the online store in the will. Fourth, the division of the online store operated by multiple partners.

III. Professional analysis by Henglue Lawyers

Firstly, legal positioning: The right to operate an online store is not explicitly listed as a type of inheritance in the Civil Code, but the customer resources, credit ratings, and deposits it carries constitute property interests. In judicial practice, it is generally treated as "online virtual property" or operational rights. The account balance and outstanding payments, on the other hand, are clearly inheritable assets. Secondly, operational path: First, check the platform's user agreement to confirm whether it supports changing the inheritor or transferring ownership. If it does, handle the transfer with a death certificate, proof of kinship, and inheritance notarization. If not, at least inherit the account funds and properly close and liquidate the store. Thirdly, reference cases handled by our firm: In the will inheritance case handled by Attorney Yin Hang, the property (including business assets) under the decedent's name was disposed of according to the will, demonstrating the priority effect of the will on property arrangements. In the case of purchasing a house under a false name handled by Attorney Xue Suhua, the ownership of the property between the registered owner and the actual rights holder was clarified, providing reference for identifying "name-separated from actual ownership" assets. In the inheritance case handled by Attorney Yu Dawei, practical experience was provided for the collection and division of multiple types of inheritance. These cases show that identifying the scope of inheritance is the first step in inheritance. This case is handled by Beijing Henglu Law Firm.Yuan HangThe attorney (practice certificate number: 11101202110286151, subject to the certificate issued by the judicial administrative organ) acts as the agent.

IV. Practical suggestions and legal basis

The first step is to sort out the online store's platform, real-name information, balance, and inventory. The second step is to review the platform's rules on inheritance or subject change. The third step is to specify the online store's disposal intentions in a will before death. The fourth step is to claim division according to law when the heirs cannot reach an agreement. The main legal basis: Articles 1122 and 1123 of the Civil Code of the People's Republic of China, and the relevant provisions of the Electronic Commerce Law of the People's Republic of China on platform operators; the specific application shall be subject to the currently effective provisions.

5. Henglue Law Firm's Reminder

Online shops inherit according to three principles: the right to operate depends on whether the platform allows changes; the account funds can definitely be inherited; making a will before death to arrange the disposal of the online shop is the most convenient way; and for assets with a separation of name and reality, the ownership needs to be confirmed first. For matters involving the inheritance of online shops and virtual assets, it can be handled through legal means.Inheritance of property and division of family assetsThe service acquisition scheme involves the combination of disputes over ownership rights under a borrowed nameReal estate transactions and construction projectsA reference guide for drafting a willSpecial servicesColumn, involving consultation on platform rulesBusiness and contract disputes in enterprisesTeam.

VI. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can an online store be inherited as part of an estate?

The account funds and transferable operating rights can be inherited; for shops that are prohibited from being transferred by the platform, investors can usually only inherit their property value rather than the operating rights.

Q2: What evidence is needed to inherit an online store?

Death certificate, proof of kinship, platform account and balance information, platform inheritance rules, will (if any) and inheritance notarization.

Q3: How much does it cost to hire a lawyer?

The negotiation is based on the subject matter or the number of items, and it's a bit more complicated when the platform needs to coordinate. It's recommended to clarify the billing method and scope before entrusting the task to others.

Q4: How do multiple heirs divide the online store?

It can be negotiated that one person operates the business and is compensated, or the assets can be liquidated and divided; the platform does not support joint ownership, so it is usually more feasible to compensate the other party in cash.

Q5: What should I do if the store owner hasn't made any arrangements before his death?

Handle it in accordance with the legal inheritance process. First, confirm the platform rules and the scope of the property. The heirs will negotiate a division plan, and if no agreement can be reached, they can resort to litigation.

The above answer is based on the judicial practice in the Beijing area. The adjudication standards in other provinces and cities may vary. For specific cases, please refer to the local rules and evidence situation.

If you are currently facing similar problems, it is recommended that you consult a professional lawyer as soon as possible with the relevant evidence materials to avoid missing the statutory time limit.Legal services for inheritance·Beijing Henglu Law Firm

Disclaimer: This article is compiled based on current effective laws and regulations and publicly available adjudication rules, and is for general reference only. It does not constitute a formal legal opinion on specific cases. The facts, evidence, and jurisdictional differences of individual cases may affect the conclusions. If you encounter disputes, please consult a practicing lawyer in time.