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Terms of Use Template

Want to protect your business by setting your Terms of Use? Looking for a template? You’re in the right place. A Terms of Use Agreement defines guidelines and rules your users must agree to follow in order to use your service/product. It can save you a lot of trouble!

In this guide, we explain all you need to know about this legal document – from what it is, why it is important, what it should include, and how to enforce it. We provide a free Terms of Use Template for Website to get you started, and also cover great alternatives to consider like using a Terms of Use Generator.

💡 Download our free Terms of Use template right away or keep reading for a deep dive into crafting a perfect privacy policy, including why you need one for your website and examples.

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📌 Everything You Should Know on Terms of Use Agreement

What do you mean by terms of use?

Terms of Use are the guidelines and rules set by a website or service provider that users must agree to follow in order to use the service. These terms outline specific aspects like acceptable behavior, disclaimers, or limitations of liability, ensuring users understand their rights and responsibilities while using the website or service.

In practice, you can outline rules regarding the use of your content, the suspension of online accounts, or the age limit for purchasing your products.

You may have heard about Terms of Use under other names like “Terms and Conditions”, “Terms of Service” or “End User License Agreement” (EULA).

Are terms of use a contract?

Yes, Terms of Use are a contract between you, the provider of a service, and your users. When users agree to the terms, typically when using the website, buying your products or clicking an “Accept” button, they enter into a contractual agreement with you. This contract binds the user to the terms specified, and violations can lead to termination of service or legal consequences.

This contract is formed within applicable law. Some specific requirements are set by consumer laws of different regions in the world, and you should comply with them. As an example, under EU consumer law, consumers have an unconditional right to withdraw (called “cooling-off period”) of 14 days.

Is terms of use necessary?

A Terms of Use Agreement is not a legal necessity, unlike the privacy policy, which is often mandated by law. However, its importance cannot be overstated.

Terms of Use serve as a protective shield for you and your company:

  • They establish legal safeguards for the provider and set clear expectations for users.
  • They help handle potential problems arising or mitigate risks by preventing issues in the first place.
  • Without them, it might be challenging for your business to defend itself effectively in legal disputes concerning your products or services.

For these reasons, Terms of Use are considered standard practice and remain an essential document for every business, from individual blog owners to large-scale e-commerce companies.

👋 E-commerce businesses? Listen up! Having a Terms of Use document is a no-brainer for this type of business. In fact, it contains legally-required disclosures regarding conditions of sale, payment methods, shipping, delivery, returns, withdrawals, and more. Learn more here.

Where do you put terms of use?

You generally put a Terms of Use Agreement on your website, usually in a clearly accessible area. They are often linked at the bottom of the homepage or in the website’s footer. The latter is the recommended practice, since it ensures the document is easy to find and always visible from any page of the site in case users need to refer to it.

You can also find the document linked in a menu (that’s usually the case for mobile apps, under sections like “About” or “Legal”), or in the account creation/checkout forms.

What is terms of use vs terms and conditions?

Terms of Use vs. Terms and Conditions are basically the same thing and refer to the same document. They are used interchangeably, along with other names used to define this type of agreement, like “Terms of Service” or “User Agreement”. They can be used in different contexts but serve the same purpose.

Is privacy policy and terms of use the same?

A Terms of Use Agreement and a Privacy Policy have very different purposes. Terms of Use outline the rules and conditions for using your website or service, whereas the Privacy Policy describes how personal data is collected, used, and stored. Both are typically linked in the footer of a website, but they refer to unrelated matters.

Also, unlike Terms of Use, a Privacy Policy is a legal requirement under many data privacy laws like the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

💡 Check out our Privacy Policy Template!

📌 What to Include in Your Terms of Use Agreement

Introduction and Effective Date

This section should succinctly introduce the purpose of the terms, providing a clear overview of what the document entails. This includes specifying what the terms apply to, as well as the effective date of the document.

The introduction might also give a brief insight into the nature of the company or service provider.

💡 The aim here is to orient the reader to the document and its relevance to their interaction with the service or product.

Acceptance of Terms

Here, you should emphasize that by accessing or using the service or product, users are agreeing to the terms outlined in the document. This section forms a contractual basis between the user and the service provider.

It often includes a statement that if the user does not agree to these terms, they should refrain from using the service. This part may also mention the legal implications of agreeing to the terms and might advise users to read the document thoroughly before consenting.

Reference to Other Policies

Here, you should reference to other legal agreements and policies that your company has. For example, your Privacy and Cookie Policy, directing users to review how their personal data is managed.

💡 The section should encourage users to review important documents like your Privacy Policy in detail.

Accounts: Registration, Termination, Security

Explain the process and requirements for users to create and maintain an account with the service. It should include guidelines on choosing secure passwords, maintaining account confidentiality, and updating account information.

Additionally, this part addresses the circumstances under which a user’s account may be suspended or deleted, such as violation of terms, fraudulent activity, or extended inactivity. The section can also explain the process of account termination, both voluntary (by the user) and involuntary (by the service provider).

Intellectual Property Rights

This segment clarifies the ownership and use rights of all content and intellectual property (trademarks, copyrighted material) associated with the service or product. It can state that you retain all rights to their content, including text, graphics, logos, and software, with phrases like “All Rights Reserved.”

User-Generated Content

In this part you should outline the guidelines and rules for any content that users create, upload, or share on the platform. You should detail what is considered acceptable content and what is prohibited (e.g., offensive, illegal content in comments). You might also reserve the right to remove or modify user content that violates these guidelines.

The section may also include stipulations about how the service can use or redistribute user-generated content.

Acceptable Use and User Restrictions

Here, it’s important to specify acceptable and unacceptable behaviors and activities on the service and website. It includes rules against misconduct such as scraping data from the service, unauthorized copying and pasting of content, and other forms of misuse.

The document should clearly articulate the consequences of such misconduct, which could range from warning to legal action.

💡 This part is crucial in setting the behavioral standards on the platform and ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all users. It acts as a deterrent against abuse and misuse of the service, safeguarding both the users and your company.

Purchasing and Billing

This section should detail the pricing structure, including any taxes or additional fees. It should clearly state any available offers or discounts, and the conditions under which they apply. It must outline accepted methods of payment, and any security measures in place to protect financial information. It should also address billing errors, and the process for disputing charges.

Delivery and Shipping

This part should specify the expected timeframe for delivery and any shipping costs. It should include any terms related to the condition of goods upon delivery, for example the “as is” clause, which indicates that items are accepted by the user in their current state without warranty. It must also outline the carrier’s responsibilities and any limitations of liability for delayed or damaged goods.

Cancellation and Return

This section must clearly define the procedure for returning a product, including time limits and condition requirements. It should specify who bears the cost of returns and the method of refund or credit. The process for canceling orders should be detailed, including any applicable time frame and charges or penalties for cancellation.

💡Take a look at our No Return No Refund Policy Template & Guide!

User Rights

Here you should articulate the rights of the user, particularly the right of withdrawal, which allows them to cancel a service or return a product within a specific period. It must be compliant with applicable consumer laws, detailing the process for exercising these rights.

Disclaimers of Warranties

This section should specify the guarantees or exclusions of implied warranties provided, particularly regarding conformity with advertised features, quality standards, and functionality. It can disclaim certain warranties, indicating that the service or product is provided “as is” and without warranties regarding its performance, reliability, or suitability for a particular purpose.

It must detail the remedies like indemnification or compensation against claims, damages, losses, liabilities, or expenses arising from the user’s misuse of the service or violation of the terms.

Limitations of Liability

In this crucial section, you should explain the limits to your liability in cases of issues like damages or losses incurred by the user in connection with the service. It typically includes limitations on the type of recoverable damages and may cap the amount of compensation.

💡 The two sections above are essential for limiting your liability in case of issues arising from using your products, services or website.

Dispute Resolution

Here, detail the specific process for resolving disputes between the user and your company. It may include mandatory arbitration clauses, specify the applicable law, and identify the jurisdiction under which disputes will be settled. Online, you can use the Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) platform provided by the European Commisson.

Changes to the Terms

Describe the procedure for modifying these terms, including how changes will be communicated to users, and whether users have the option to terminate their agreement if they do not accept the new terms.

Contact Information

Provides your main contact details, including physical address, email, and phone number. It helps users to make inquiries, lodge complaints, or seek support.

terms of use agreement

Download our Sample Terms of Use Template for your Website

Is it ok to use a Terms of Use Template?

Using a basic template is not wrong by default, but it can come with significant risk to you and your business. Should conflict arise or if a lawsuit is filed by a user, your Terms of Use document will be your first line of defence. Terms of Use are complex legal documents that cover multiple legal scenarios (eg. commercial law, copyright laws, liabilities etc.), jurisdictions, and must apply to your specific business practices. This is difficult to achieve with a basic template.

Too many things to think about? Using just a Terms of Use template is too complicated and a bit risky? We recommend using a professional solution: jump to this section to learn more.

How to Use the Template

  1. Download the Template: Get our free Terms of Use template in Word Doc or PDF format, or copy and paste the HTML directly into your website.
  2. Fill in Business and Contact Details: Before you publish it, fill in all the [brackets] with your business info and contact details.
  3. Customize Sale and Service Clauses: The template covers selling physical goods and includes sections for both business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) sales, with some clauses addressing only consumers. Make sure these sections match what your business offers.
  4. Tailor to Legal Jurisdictions: The template includes parts relevant to the EU, the UK, and the US. Some sections are specific to certain areas, so make sure they comply with the laws where your customers are.

Terms of Use Template (HTML Text)

Copy and paste the Terms of Use Template HTML directly into your website.

<h1>Terms of Use of <code>[website name]</code></h1>
<p>This document governs</p>
<ul>
 <li>the use of our website, and,</li>
 <li>any other related agreement or legal relationship with us</li>
</ul>
<p>in a legally binding way.</p>
<p>You must read this document carefully.</p>
<p>Our website is provided by: <br>
<code>[name/company and full address]</code></p>
<p><strong>Contact email:</strong><code>[email address]</code></p>
<p>This document was generated with the use of the <a href="https://www.iubenda.com/en/help/146202-terms-of-use-template">Terms of Use template</a>.</p>
<h2>What you should know at a glance</h2>
<p>Please note that some provisions may only apply to certain categories of users. In particular, certain provisions may only apply to consumers or to those users that do not qualify as consumers. Such limitations are always explicitly mentioned within each affected clause. In the absence of any such mention, clauses apply to all users.</p>
<h2>TERMS OF USE</h2>
<p>Unless stated otherwise, the terms in this section apply generally when using our website.</p>
<p>Specific or additional conditions may apply in certain situations and are noted in this document.</p>
<p>By using our website, you confirm the following:</p>
<ul>
 <li>you are older than <code>[number of years of age]</code>;</li>
 <li>you are not in a country under a U.S. government embargo or designated as a "terrorist-supporting" country;</li>
 <li>you are not on any U.S. government list of prohibited or restricted parties.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Account registration</h3>
<p>To use the service, you can register or create an account by providing complete and truthful information. You can also use the service without an account, but this might limit some features.</p>
<p>You are responsible for keeping your login details confidential and must choose passwords that meet the highest standards of strength as allowed by our website.</p>
<p>By registering, you agree to take full responsibility for all activities under your username and password. <br>
You must immediately inform us using the contact details in this document if you believe your personal information, account, or login details have been violated, disclosed, or stolen.</p>
<h4>Conditions for account registration</h4>
<p>Registration of accounts on our website is subject to the conditions outlined below. By registering, you agree to meet such conditions.</p>
<ul>
 <li>It is not permitted to register accounts by bots or any other automated methods;</li>
 <li>You must register only one account, unless otherwise specified;</li>
 <li>Your account must not be shared with other persons unless otherwise specified.</li>
</ul>
<h4>Account termination</h4>
<p>You can close your account and stop using our service anytime by contacting us at the contact details provided in this document.</p>
<h4>Account suspension and deletion</h4>
<p>We reserve the right to suspend or delete your account at any time and without notice if we find it inappropriate, offensive, or in violation of these terms.</p>
<p>Suspending or deleting accounts does not entitle you to claim for any compensation, damages, or reimbursement.</p>
<p>The suspension or deletion of accounts due to causes attributable to you does not exempt you from paying any applicable fees or prices.</p>
<h3>Content on the website</h3>
<p>Unless otherwise noted, all content on our website is owned or provided by us or our licensors.</p>
<p>We do our best to ensure the content on our website complies with all laws and respects third-party rights. However, this may not always be achievable. <br>
If you believe your rights are being infringed, without prejudice to any legal prerogatives to enforce your rights, please report any issues using the contact details provided in this document.</p>
<h4>Rights regarding content on our website - All rights reserved</h4>
<p>We hold and reserve all intellectual property rights for all content.</p>
<p>You may not use such content in any way that is not necessary or implied for the proper use of the service.</p>
<p>Specifically, but without limitation, you may not copy, download, share (beyond the limits mentioned below), modify, translate, transform, publish, transmit, sell, sublicense, edit, transfer, assign to third parties, or create derivative works from the content on our website. You also cannot allow any third party to do so through your account or device, even unknowingly.</p>
<p>Where explicitly stated, you may download, copy, and share some content from our website for personal and non-commercial use, provided you correctly implement copyright and other required attributions.</p>
<p>Any statutory limitations or exceptions to copyright remain unaffected.</p>
<h3>Access to external resources</h3>
<p>Through our website, you may access external resources provided by third parties. You acknowledge and accept that we have no control over these resources and are not responsible for their content or availability.</p>
<p>Conditions for third-party resources, including any rights granted in their content, are governed by those third parties' terms and conditions or by applicable law.</p>
<h3>Acceptable use</h3>
<p>Our website and service may only be used within the scope of what is provided for, under these terms and applicable law.</p>
<p>You are solely responsible for ensuring your use of our website and service does not violate any laws, regulations, or third-party rights.</p>
<p>We reserve the right to protect our interests by denying you access to our website or service, terminating contracts, and reporting any misconduct to the appropriate authorities if you are involved in or suspected of the following:</p>
<ul>
 <li>violating laws, regulations, or these terms;</li>
 <li>infringing on third-party rights;</li>
 <li>significantly impairing our legitimate interests;</li>
 <li>offending us or any third party.</li>
</ul>
<h2>TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE</h2>
<h3>Paid products</h3>
<p>Some of our products require payment. Details about fees, duration, and conditions are described below and in the dedicated sections of our website.</p>
<h3>Product description</h3>
<p>Prices, descriptions, and availability of products are detailed in the relevant sections of our website and may change without notice.</p>
<p>Although we strive for accuracy in presenting products on our website, representations (including graphics, images, colors, and sounds) are for reference only and do not guarantee the characteristics of the purchased product.</p>
<p>The specific characteristics of the chosen product are outlined during the purchasing process.</p>
<h3>Purchasing process</h3>
<p>Every action taken from selecting a product to submitting the order is part of the purchasing process.</p>
<p><code>[specify your purchasing process]</code></p>
<h3>Order submission</h3>
<p>When you place an order, the following apply:</p>
<ul>
 <li>submitting an order determines the contract conclusion and obligates you to pay the specified price, taxes, and any additional fees and expenses outlined on the order page;</li>
 <li>if the purchased product requires action from you, such as providing personal information or specific requests, submitting the order means you agree to cooperate accordingly;</li>
 <li>after submitting the order, you will receive a receipt confirming that the order has been received.</li>
</ul>
<p>All communications regarding the purchasing process will be sent to the email address you provided.</p>
<h3>Prices</h3>
<p>During checkout and before order submission, you will see all charges, including any fees, taxes, and costs (including, where applicable, delivery costs).</p>
<p>On our website, prices are displayed including all applicable fees, taxes, and costs.</p>
<p><code>[add more details about prices]</code></p>
<h3>Methods of payment</h3>
<p>Details about accepted payment methods are provided during the purchasing process.</p>
<p>Certain payment methods might have additional conditions or fees. In these cases, more information can be found in the related section of our website.</p>
<p><code>[add more details about payment methods]</code></p>
<h3>Retention of product ownership</h3>
<p>Until payment of the total purchase price is received by us, any products ordered will not become your property.</p>
<h3>Delivery</h3>
<p>Products are delivered to the address provided by you and in the manner outlined in the order summary.</p>
<p>Upon delivery, please check the content and report any issues promptly using the contact details provided in this document or as outlined in the delivery note. If the parcel appears visibly damaged, you may refuse to accept it.</p>
<p>Goods are delivered to the following countries: <code>[country name]</code></p>
<p>Delivery times are outlined on our website or during the purchasing process.</p>
<p><code>[add more details about delivery]</code></p>
<h4>Failed delivery</h4>
<p>We are not liable for delivery errors due to incorrect or incomplete information provided by you during the purchasing process nor for any damage or delays after delivery to a carrier organized by you and not offered or recommended by us.</p>
<p>If the goods are not received or collected at the time or within the period specified, they will be returned to us. We will contact you to schedule a second delivery attempt or to agree on a future course of action.</p>
<p>Unless otherwise agreed, each delivery attempt after the second one will be at your expense.</p>
<h2>USER RIGHTS</h2>
<h3>Right of withdrawal</h3>
<p>Unless exceptions apply, if you qualify as a European consumer, you have the right to withdraw from a contract within a specified period (usually 14 days), without giving any reason. If you don’t fit this qualification, you cannot benefit from the rights described in this section.</p>
<h4>Exercising your right of withdrawal</h4>
<p>To withdraw from a contract, you must inform us clearly of your decision. This can be done using a withdrawal form or by any other clear statement. Make sure to do this before the withdrawal period ends.</p>
<h4>Withdrawal period</h4>
<ul>
 <li>for goods, the withdrawal period ends 14 days after you or a designated third party takes physical possession of the goods;</li>
 <li>for multiple goods ordered together or delivered separately, the withdrawal period ends 14 days after you or a designated third party acquires physical possession of the last good.</li>
</ul>
<h4>Effects of withdrawal</h4>
<p>If you correctly withdraw from a contract, we will reimburse you for all payments made to us, including any delivery costs, if applicable.</p>
<p>However, any additional costs resulting from choosing a delivery method other than our standard option will not be reimbursed.</p>
<p>We will process your reimbursement promptly and no later than 14 days after we receive your withdrawal notification. Reimbursements will be made using the same payment method you used for the initial transaction unless agreed otherwise. You will not incur any costs or fees for this reimbursement.</p>
<h4>... on the purchase of physical goods</h4>
<p>Unless we have offered to collect the goods, you must return them to us or to a person authorized by us without delay and no later than 14 days after notifying us of your decision to withdraw from the contract.</p>
<p>Your deadline is met if you hand the goods to the carrier or return them as instructed before the 14-day period expires. We may withhold reimbursement until we receive the goods or until you provide evidence of returning them, whichever occurs first.</p>
<p>You are responsible for any diminished value of the goods resulting from handling beyond what is necessary to establish their nature, characteristics, and functioning.</p>
<p>You will bear the costs of returning the goods.</p>
<h3>UK USER RIGHTS</h3>
<h4>Right to cancel</h4>
<p>Unless exceptions apply, if you qualify as a consumer in the United Kingdom, you have the right to withdraw from a contract within a specified period (usually 14 days), without giving any reason. If you do not fit this qualification, you cannot benefit from the rights described in this section.</p>
<h4>Exercising your right to cancel</h4>
<p>To withdraw from a contract, you must inform us clearly of your decision. This can be done using a cancellation form or by any other clear statement. Make sure to do this before the cancellation period ends.</p>
<h4>Cancellation period</h4>
<ul>
 <li>for goods, the cancellation period ends 14 days after you or a designated third party takes physical possession of the goods;</li>
 <li>for multiple goods ordered together or delivered separately, the cancellation period ends 14 days after you or a designated third party acquires physical possession of the last good.</li>
</ul>
<h4>Effects of cancellation</h4>
<p>If you correctly withdraw from a contract, we will reimburse you for all payments made to us, including any delivery costs, if applicable.</p>
<p>However, any additional costs resulting from choosing a delivery method other than our standard option will not be reimbursed.</p>
<p>We will process your reimbursement promptly and no later than 14 days after we receive your cancellation notification. Reimbursements will be made using the same payment method you used for the initial transaction unless agreed otherwise. You will not incur any costs or fees for this reimbursement.</p>
<h4>... on the purchase of physical goods</h4>
<p>Unless we have offered to collect the goods, you must return them to us or to a person authorized by us without delay and no later than 14 days after notifying us of your decision to withdraw from the contract.</p>
<p>Your deadline is met if you hand the goods to the carrier or return them as instructed before the 14-day period expires. We may withhold reimbursement until we receive the goods or until you provide evidence of returning them, whichever occurs first.</p>
<p>You are responsible for any diminished value of the goods resulting from handling beyond what is necessary to establish their nature, characteristics, and functioning.</p>
<p>You will bear the costs of returning the goods.</p>
<h2>GUARANTEES</h2>
<h3>Legal guarantee of conformity for goods under EU law</h3>
<p>We guarantee the conformity of goods sold to European consumers for at least 2 years from delivery. This guarantee applies to goods on our website according to the laws of your country.</p>
<p>The laws of your country may grant you broader rights regarding legal guarantees of conformity.</p>
<h3>Conformity to contract for consumers in the United Kingdom</h3>
<p>UK consumers have the right to receive goods that conform to the contract.</p>
<h2>LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION</h2>
<p>We limit our liability as much as legally allowed when executing agreements with you. This means our responsibility for damages is reduced to the maximum extent permitted by law unless explicitly stated otherwise or agreed upon with you.</p>
<h4>Indemnification</h4>
<p>You agree to indemnify us and our affiliates, officers, directors, and employees from any claims or demands made by third parties due to or in connection with any culpable violation of these terms or third-party rights related to your use of the service to the extent allowed by law.</p>
<h4>Limitation of liability</h4>
<p>Unless explicitly stated otherwise and subject to applicable law, you cannot claim damages against us (or any individual or entity acting on our behalf).</p>
<p>However, this exclusion does not apply to damages affecting life, health, or physical integrity, damages arising from the breach of significant contractual obligations (such as those necessary to fulfill the contract's purpose), and/or damages resulting from intentional or gross negligence, provided that our website has been used appropriately and correctly by you.</p>
<p>Unless damages stem from intentional or gross negligence, or they impact life, health, or physical integrity, our liability is limited to typical and foreseeable damages at the time the contract was entered into.</p>
<h3>US users</h3>
<h4>Disclaimer of warranties</h4>
<p>Our website is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis. When you use our service, you are doing so at your own risk. We explicitly state that we are not making any promises or guarantees, whether they are express, implied, or even required by law. These include assurances about the quality of the service, its suitability for your specific needs, or whether it infringes on anyone else's rights. Please keep in mind that any advice or information you receive from us or through our service does not create any warranties beyond what we have explicitly stated here.</p>
<p>Additionally, while we strive to provide accurate and reliable content, we cannot guarantee that it is always going to be the case. We do not guarantee that the service will always meet your requirements or be available when you need it. There might be interruptions, or it might not function correctly due to factors beyond our control. While we do our best to keep everything running smoothly, we cannot ensure that the service will be free of harmful elements like viruses. If you choose to download any content from our service, you are assuming the risk, and we are not responsible for any damage it might cause to your devices or data.</p>
<p>We do not endorse or guarantee any products or services advertised through our service or any links we provide. We are not involved in any transactions between you and third-party providers, so any interactions or agreements you make with them are solely your responsibility.</p>
<p>Our service might not always be accessible or may not work correctly with your web browser, mobile device, or operating system. While we strive to provide a seamless experience, we cannot guarantee it in every situation. As such, we want to clarify that we cannot be held responsible for any perceived or actual damages that result from issues related to the content, operation, or use of our service.</p>
<p>While we may have certain exclusions and limitations in our agreement, these may not apply to you depending on the laws of your jurisdiction. Federal law, as well as laws in some states and other jurisdictions, may offer protections that supersede our disclaimers and exclusions. This means that you may have specific legal rights that are not affected by our agreement. It is essential to understand your rights, as they may vary from state to state or country to country. We want to emphasize that any disclaimers or exclusions in our agreement will only be enforced to the extent permitted by applicable law.</p>
<h4>Limitation of liability</h4>
<p>To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, in no event shall we, along with our subsidiaries, affiliates, officers, directors, agents, partners, suppliers, or employees, be liable for:</p>
<ul>
 <li>any indirect, punitive, incidental, special, consequential, or exemplary damages arising from or related to your use of, or inability to use, the service. This includes damages for loss of profits, goodwill, use, data, or other intangible losses;</li>
 <li>any damage, loss, or injury resulting from hacking, tampering, or unauthorized access to your account or the information within it;</li>
 <li>errors, mistakes, or inaccuracies in the content provided;</li>
 <li>personal injury or property damage resulting from your use of the service;</li>
 <li>unauthorized access to our secure servers or personal information stored therein;</li>
 <li>interruption or cessation of transmission to or from the service;</li>
 <li>bugs, viruses, trojan horses, or similar harmful elements transmitted through the service;</li>
 <li>errors or omissions in any content posted, transmitted, or made available through the service;</li>
 <li>defamatory, offensive, or illegal conduct of any user or third party. Our liability is limited to the amount you have paid us in the preceding 12 months, or the duration of your agreement with us, whichever is shorter.</li>
</ul>
<p>This limitation of liability section will apply to the fullest extent permitted by law in the applicable jurisdiction whether the alleged liability is based on contract, tort, negligence, strict liability, or any other basis, even if you have been advised of the possibility of such damage.</p>
<p>Please note that in some jurisdictions, the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages may not be allowed. This means that these limitations or exclusions might not apply to you. You have specific legal rights, which may vary depending on your jurisdiction. The disclaimers, exclusions, and limitations of liability outlined here may not apply to the extent prohibited by applicable law.</p>
<h4>Indemnification</h4>
<p>By using and accessing the service, you agree to defend, indemnify, and hold us, our subsidiaries, affiliates, officers, directors, agents, co-branders, partners, suppliers, and employees harmless from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, or expenses, including legal fees, arising from:</p>
<ul>
 <li>your use of the service, including any data or content you transmit or receive;</li>
 <li>your violation of these terms, including any breach of representations and warranties;</li>
 <li>your violation of third-party rights, such as privacy or intellectual property rights;</li>
 <li>your violation of statutory laws, rules, or regulations;</li>
 <li>any content submitted from your account, including third-party access using username, password, or other security measures, including misleading, false, or inaccurate information;</li>
 <li>your intentional misconduct; or</li>
 <li>any statutory provision by you or your affiliates, officers, directors, agents, co-branders, partners, suppliers, and employees to the extent permitted by law.</li>
</ul>
<h2>COMMON PROVISIONS</h2>
<h3>No waiver</h3>
<p>Our failure to assert any right or provision under these terms does not waive that right or provision. No waiver will constitute a continuing waiver of such term or any other term.</p>
<h3>Service interruption</h3>
<p>To maintain the best service level, we reserve the right to interrupt the service for maintenance, updates, or other changes, with appropriate notification.</p>
<p>We may suspend or discontinue the service within legal limits. If discontinued, we will assist you in withdrawing personal data and respect your rights regarding continued product use and compensation under applicable law.</p>
<p>The service may be unavailable due to events beyond our reasonable control, such as infrastructure breakdowns or blackouts.</p>
<h3>Service reselling</h3>
<p>You may not reproduce, duplicate, copy, sell, or exploit any part of our website or its service without our express written permission, granted either directly or through a legitimate reselling program.</p>
<h3>Privacy policy</h3>
<p>For information on the use of personal data, you can refer to our website's privacy policy.</p>
<h3>Intellectual property rights</h3>
<p>Without prejudice to any more specific provisions in these terms, all intellectual property rights associated with our website, including copyrights, trademark rights, patent rights, and design rights, are exclusively owned by us or our licensors. These rights are protected by applicable laws and international treaties concerning intellectual property.</p>
<p>All trademarks, whether nominal or figurative, and any other marks, trade names, service marks, word marks, illustrations, images, or logos associated with our website, are and remain the exclusive property of us or our licensors. These are also protected by applicable laws and international treaties related to intellectual property.</p>
<h3>Changes to the terms</h3>
<p>We reserve the right to modify these terms at any time, informing you of any changes.</p>
<p>Such changes will only affect the relationship with you from the date communicated onwards.</p>
<p>Your continued use of the service will signify your acceptance of the revised terms. If you do not wish to be bound by the changes, you must stop using the service and terminate the agreement.</p>
<p>The applicable previous version will govern the relationship prior to your acceptance. You can obtain any previous version from us.</p>
<p>If legally required, we will notify you in advance of when the modified terms will take effect.</p>
<h3>Assignment of contract</h3>
<p>We reserve the right to transfer, assign, dispose of by novation, or subcontract any or all rights or obligations under these terms, considering your legitimate interests. Provisions about changes to these terms will apply accordingly.</p>
<p>You cannot assign or transfer your rights or obligations under these terms without our written permission.</p>
<h3>Contact</h3>
<p>All communications regarding the use of our website must be sent using the contact information provided in this document.</p>
<h3>Severability</h3>
<p>Invalidity or unenforceability of any provision under applicable law will not affect the validity of other provisions, which will remain in full force and effect.</p>
<h4>US users</h4>
<p>Any invalid or unenforceable provision will be interpreted to the extent reasonably required to render it valid, enforceable, and consistent with its original intent. This document constitutes the entire agreement between you and us and supersedes all other communications, including but not limited to prior agreements concerning such subject matter, to the fullest extent permitted by law.</p>
<h4>EU users</h4>
<p>If any provision of this document is void, invalid, or unenforceable, we both agree to do our best to find, in an amicable way, an agreement on valid and enforceable provisions. <br>
In case of failure to do so, the void, invalid, or unenforceable provisions will be replaced by the applicable statutory provisions.</p>
<p>Regardless of the above, the nullity, invalidity, or impossibility of enforcing a particular provision of this document will not nullify the entire agreement, unless the severed provisions are essential for it, or of such importance that we both would not have entered into the contract if we had known that the provision would not be valid, or in cases where the remaining provisions would translate into an unacceptable hardship for you or us.</p>
<h3>Governing law</h3>
<p>These terms are governed by the law of the place where we are based, as outlined in the relevant section of this document, without regard to conflict of laws principles.</p>
<h4>Prevalence of national law</h4>
<p>However, regardless of the above, if the law of the country that you are based on provides for higher applicable consumer protection standards, such higher standards will prevail.</p>
<h3>Venue of jurisdiction</h3>
<p>The jurisdiction over any controversy related to these terms lies with the courts of the place where we are based, as outlined in the relevant section of this document.</p>
<h4>Exception for consumers in Europe</h4>
<p>However, regardless of the above, this does not apply if you qualify as a European consumer or if you are a consumer based in the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Norway, or Iceland.</p>
<h4>UK consumers</h4>
<p>If you are a consumer based in England and Wales, you may bring legal proceedings related to these terms in the English and Welsh courts. If you are a consumer based in Scotland, you may bring legal proceedings in either the Scottish or the English courts. If you are a consumer based in Northern Ireland, you may bring legal proceedings in either the Northern Irish or the English courts.</p>
<h4>US users</h4>
<p>We both agree to waive any right to trial by jury in any court in connection with any action or litigation. <br>
Any claims under these terms shall proceed individually and we both agree not to join in a class action or other proceeding with or on behalf of others.</p>
<h3>US users</h3>
<h4>Surviving provisions</h4>
<p>Our agreement will continue in effect until it is terminated by either our website or you. Upon termination, the provisions contained in this document that by their context are intended to survive termination or expiration will survive, including but not limited to the following:</p>
<ul>
 <li>your grant of licenses under this document will survive indefinitely;</li>
 <li>your indemnification obligations will survive for a period of five years from the date of termination;</li>
 <li>the disclaimer of warranties and representations, and the stipulations under the section containing indemnity and limitation of liability provisions, will survive indefinitely.</li>
</ul>
<h2>DISPUTE RESOLUTION</h2>
<h3>Online dispute resolution for consumers</h3>
<p>The European Commission has set up an online platform for alternative dispute resolution, providing an out-of-court solution for resolving disputes arising from online sale and service contracts.</p>
<p>Therefore, European consumers or consumers based in Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein can use this platform to settle disputes arising from online contracts. You can access the platform <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/consumers/odr/main/index.cfm?event=main.home.chooseLanguage">via the following link</a>.</p>

Terms of Use Template (Word DOCX)

Terms of Use Template (PDF)

Terms of Use Examples

#1 Instagram Terms of Use Example

Take a look at Instagram’s Terms of Use Agreement. This is a great example about setting rules for users publishing and consuming content.

terms of use template

#2 Udemy Terms of Use Example

Read Udemy’s Terms of Use. This is a great illustration of the various sections we have seen in this guide.

terms of use generator

#3 Barton Perreira iubenda-generated Terms

Check out the eyewear brand Barton Perreira’s Terms and Conditions agreement. Placed in the footer, the document was generated with iubenda’s Terms of Use Generator.

terms of use example

📌 How to Enforce Your Terms of Use

The best way to enforce your Terms of Use Agreement is using a method called clickwrap. The goal is to make sure your users clearly agree to the document, which is important if you ever need to enforce these terms legally.

Follow this best practice to enforce your document:

  • When a user is signing up or making a purchase on your website, display your Terms of Use. This is often done by putting a link to the document where it’s easy to see.
  • Make sure the user performs an affirmative action to show they agree to the Terms of Use. This is where clickwrap comes in. You can have a checkbox next to a statement like “I agree to the Terms of Use,” and the user has to check this box.
  • Arrange it so that the user can’t complete their sign-up or purchase without agreeing to your Terms. This means they can’t proceed unless they check the box.
  • Make sure the statement next to the checkbox is straightforward and easy to understand. Avoid legal jargon here.
  • When a user agrees to your Terms, keep a record of this. Note down the date and which version of the Terms they agreed to.
  • If you update your document, let your users know. You might need them to agree to the new terms, especially if the changes are significant.
  • Always have your legal documents easily accessible on your website, so users can read them whenever they want.

📌 Summary on Terms of Use for Website

These points provide a comprehensive foundation for understanding and drafting an effective Terms of Use document:

  1. Terms of Use (also commonly called Terms and Conditions) are a set of rules and guidelines users must agree to follow when using a website or service. They are crucial for establishing legal safeguards, setting clear expectations, and protecting your business in legal disputes.
  2. These Terms form a legally-binding contract between you and the user, that’s why it’s important to draft them very carefully. They should comply with consumer laws in relevant regions.
  3. Place your Terms of Use Agreement in an easily accessible area on your website, commonly in the footer.
  4. Clearly define the rights and rules regarding content on your platform, including user-generated content and intellectual property rights.
  5. Specify what constitutes acceptable use of your service and the consequences of violations, ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all users.
  6. Include detailed sections on purchasing, billing, delivery, shipping, and return policies to inform users about the procedures and their rights related to transactions.
  7. Use disclaimers and clearly state the limits of your liability in various scenarios, to protect yourself from legal issues arising from your website, services, or products.
  8. Get explicit consent with the clickwrap method by having users agree to your Terms, by checking box during checkout for example.
  9. Know the risk when using a basic template. It probably doesn’t contain all necessary clauses. Terms and Conditions are a legally-binding document that should be well-written, comprehensive, and customized to your specific business situation.
  10. It’s tricky and time-consuming to write such a robust legal document. All-in-one solutions backed by lawyers like our Terms of Use Generator help you generate a professional one in no time ⬇️

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About us

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