What are Website Terms of Use?
Website Terms of Use set out the rules people must follow when they use your website. They are designed to protect you from the risks associated with running a website, and to protect your intellectual property.
Our Website Terms of Use template includes rules about what visitors can and can’t do on your website (such as post comments or share your content).
It also includes a Website Disclaimer to limit your liability for any loss incurred by someone relying on the information on your website.
Who can use this template?
- Australian websites
- Information-based websites (including a home page, services pages, pricing, FAQs, contact forms, blog etc)
Note: if you run an ecommerce website, check out our Ecommerce Legal Bundle instead.
Do I need Website Terms of Use on my website?
Yes, if your business has a website, you should definitely provide Website Terms of Use for visitors.
There are three key reasons why you need this legal notice:
1. Limit your liability – you need to protect your business against claims or damages in case a website visitor ever decides to take you to court.
2. Protect your Intellectual Property – stop people from copying your content!
3. Keep control of YOUR website – make sure you can moderate what happens on your website, how people interact with it and what is allowed.
What does the Website Terms of Use template cover?
This Website Terms of Use template covers:
- Use of our website – rules for using the website, including things that are not permitted
- Intellectual property – protect your intellectual property rights
- Submissions – user comments or contributions
- Privacy – refers to your Privacy Policy
- Links – covers links to and from your website
- Cookies – covers your use of cookies
- Security – measures you take to protect your website security
- Disclaimer and indemnity– important legal clause to protect you against claims for losses and damages
- Changes to Terms – any revisions or updates to your Website Terms of Use
- Severance – important legal term
- Termination – how you can cancel the agreement
- Jurisdiction – governing laws for your agreement
Where should I publish my Website Terms of Use?
It is common practice for websites to place a link to their privacy policy and website terms of use in the footer of the website.
Once you have completed our Website Terms of Use template, you can publish it on your website as a new page and link to it in the footer.
I run an online shop – is this the only legal document I need?
No, you also need Website Terms and Conditions of Sale. You are legally required to display terms and conditions on your website under Australian Consumer Law if you’re selling online. This includes extra terms for payment, delivery, refunds, warranty and consumer guarantees.
Our eCommerce Legal Bundle is an affordable way to grab all the documents you will need for your online shop in one go.
What’s the difference between Website Terms and Conditions of Sale and Website Terms of Use?
Website Terms of Use set out the rules for visiting and using your website, and they apply to every website visitor. They include a disclaimer to limit your liability and help to protect your intellectual property.
Website Terms and Conditions of Sale are specifically for customers who place an order through your website to purchase goods or services. They cover terms for payment, delivery, refunds, warranty etc.
Is this Website Terms of Use template legally binding?
Absolutely!
All of our templates have been drafted by qualified Australian lawyers who hold an Australian legal practicing certificate.
We are affiliated with a commercial law firm based in Sydney.
