Terms of Service

What is a terms of service agreement?

A terms of service agreement outlines all rules of use your customers must follow when using your services, it helps limit liabilities from falling onto your company, and it establishes your property rights.

A terms of service agreement might also be called:

• Terms of use
• Terms and conditions

Do I need a terms of service for my website?

Yes, you should have a terms of service for your website to help set customer rules and expectations, resolve conflicts, establish property rights, and take some legal liabilities off your business.

Do I need a terms of service for my app?

Yes, you should have a terms of service for your app to help establish the rules and expectations for your customers, claim your property rights, resolve potential conflicts, and limit the legal liabilities that fall onto your business.

What clauses should every terms of service include?

Your terms of service should include some or all of the following clauses, but you can also adapt the agreement to fit whatever your business requires:

• Introduction
• Prohibited or acceptable uses
• Account Termination and Suspension
• Property Rights
• Products and Promotional Information
• Payments and Pricing
• User Contributions
• Limitation of Liability
• Privacy Agreements
• Third-party Links
• Amendments and Changes to the Agreement
• Governing Law or Dispute Resolution
• Company Contact Information

Summary

If you own a website or app, you should post a terms of service in multiple locations so your users are always aware of the guidelines they’re expected to follow when using your services.

A standard terms of service agreement also helps limit liabilities from falling onto your business and allows you to establish and maintain your intellectual property rights.