Limit liability with a tailored Terms of Service
Work directly with a tech savvy lawyer to develop a customized Terms of Service for your website or app.
Starting at $780 (+ tax)
Not sure what you need? Book a free call with our Legal Concierge.
Establish the rules for your users
Terms of Service, sometimes called Terms & Conditions, are legally binding and establish how your website or app is to be used. They limit the liability of your business and state what actions you can take if there's a violation.
Why you need Terms of Service:
Define your rules.
Without proper Terms, users are unregulated and may leave you liable for damages. Outline rules for users that give you the power to act in the best interest of your business if there's a violation.
Protect your intellectual property.
Avoid copycats by establishing ownership of the content (i.e. logos, images, copy, videos, etc.) and the design of the website or app.
Meet partnership requirements.
To limit their own liability, some companies (including Facebook) require functional Terms agreements to be in place before they will work with your business.
What's covered in a Terms of Service?
You'll have a kick-off call with a lawyer to discuss how your business operates, its rules for users, and any other information pertinent to your Terms of Service. After the call, your lawyer will draft and deliver you customized Terms of Service.
Your Terms of Service
1. Payments
Describe how payments work and the consequences for failed or fraudulent payments attempted through the platform.
2. Own your IP
Make sure that all the intellectual property on your site belongs to you. Terms clearly set out when copycats are infringing.
3. Acceptable Use
Take control of your business by defining how your services should be used and the possible consequences for breaching the Terms.
4. Limit Your Liability
Establish what will happen if your business fails to fulfill its promises and set a maximum limit for any necessary payouts.
How do Terms of Service work?
1. Book your kick-off call
Pick a time to discuss your specific Terms of Service with a lawyer.
2. Build your Terms of Service
Work with a lawyer to draft the Terms of Service for your website or app.
3. Receive your Terms
Receive a digital copy of the Terms, ready to use on your website.
Book a Terms of Service
The easiest way to take control of your website and protect your business.
Frequently asked questions
Are Terms of Service required by law?
Terms of Service aren’t required by law, but that doesn’t mean that you don’t need them. If you are ever sued by a user of your site or app, you would point to your Terms to protect yourself. Without proper Terms, there is no way to prove the agreement between users and your business. It’s your word against theirs.
Can I just use Terms of Service I find online?
Online businesses all have their own complexities and nuances that can’t be captured in a standard or automated template, or by copying another site’s Terms of Service. The only way to ensure you and your business are adequately protected is to have Terms that are custom tailored to your website and/or app by an experienced lawyer who knows what to look for.
Are Terms of Service legally binding?
Yes. Generally, agreement to the Terms is established in the form of a browse-wrap agreement wherein the user, by using the site or app automatically agrees to the terms, or a click-wrap agreement when the visitor signs up for an account. Terms of Service might become void however if the visitor or user is unknowingly forced to agree, if the terms of the agreement are unclear, or if the terms in the agreement are not legally valid. It’s important to get your Terms of Service drafted by a professional who can ensure your Terms are rock solid.
How long do Terms of Service take to draft?
Typically, from the time of your kick-off call you can expect to have your final Terms of Service agreement within 1 week. If your business is complex it could take a bit longer, but your lawyer will always let you know once they have a better idea of what your Terms of Service will require.
Where should I put my Terms of Service on my website/app?
While there are no exact requirements on where your Terms of Service need to be on your website or app, there is a legal requirement that it not be hidden and be easy to access for all visitors and users. Most websites will link to their terms in the footer. Most apps will either include it in a settings or about menu, the app listing on the app store, or on the app’s accompanying website.
How do Terms of Service relate to the Privacy Policy?
Privacy Policies and Terms of Service documents are closely related as they both govern the relationship between your business’ online presence and your customers’ online visits. It is extremely common to get both documents drafted at the same time for increased efficiency and minimized costs. Ask your lawyer about drafting these documents together for additional savings or, learn more about Privacy Policies here.
Will I be able to communicate with my lawyer after the kickoff call?
Yes, absolutely. You can use the Goodlawyer platform to send messages and files. If substantially more communication is needed, your lawyer may request another call.
Are there any resources to help me improve my business?
Yes! We have an extensive library of small business resources ranging from templates, small business tips and tricks, business law, contract law and intellectual property. Check out our blog!
Not sure what you need? Book a free call with our Legal Concierge.
Goodlawyer is an interactive online service that makes it faster and easier for clients to find and hire legal help solely based on their preferences. We are not a law firm, do not provide any legal services, legal advice or “lawyer referral services” and do not provide or participate in any legal representation.
